Last season, the Emmaus High School girls lacrosse team fell just short of its goals of Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 championships. But the Green Hornets have opened up the 2022 season on a mission to win gold.

Emmaus has had a fast start to the regular season, winning its first eight games. Head coach Roxann Betz has been pleased with the start, but knows that her team can’t just be satisfied with winning in the regular season this year.

“So far the girls are off to a great start,” said Betz. “So much team camaraderie leading to selfless team play and enthusiasm for each individual success, which ultimately leads to team success. Although we are unbeaten, we are not focused on record but more importantly on each upcoming game. Our goal is to win a championship. We take each game as an opportunity to improve on the little things to be better and better as the season goes on. We were very happy with the Spring Ford and Wilson wins as it’s always a challenge playing District 1 and 3 teams.”

Against Crestwood last Saturday night in a nonconference game at Memorial Field, seven different Green Hornets found the back of the net, helping them to a 24-4 victory and 8-0 start.

“We have a very balanced attack led by Julia Cote and Emily Hollinger where we have had six or more goal scorers in seven of the eight games,” said Betz. “But it begins at the draw where Jordyn Poll, Mikayla Viola and Julia Cote have dominated in draw controls.”

Betz also praised her defense, which allowed just one second half goal and has allowed just three goals per game through the first eight.

“They are amazing,” Betz said. “They are experienced, aggressive and coachable. The defense has been solid for us all year and they have done a very good job shutting down top scorers for opposing teams. Alani Shotwell has been great in goal with a .540 save percentage. And Marybeth Smith and Kam Watkins lead the team in caused turnovers and ground balls.”

Emmaus lost its first game of the season to Pleasant Valley last Monday and will look to bounce back with a conference game against Northampton at home on Wednesday night.