The Emmaus High School field hockey team finished the 2023 regular season undefeated in league play after taking down rival Parkland by one goal, 1-0, at home last Tuesday night in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference regular season finale for both teams. It was the season’s first loss in conference for the Trojans and the 13th shutout of the season for Emmaus.

Autumn Held scored the game’s lone goal in the fourth quarter as the teams were scoreless the first three quarters. Sarah Schaeffer and Autum Kernechel each had a hand in the assist in the goal. Even though the score was close and the game was far from out of reach for the Trojans (14-2-1, 11-1-1), Emmaus outshot them 16-2 overall and 13-1 on goal, while holding a 9-3 advantage in penalty corners. Emma Cari finished with one save in cage, the only shot she faced, she saved.

“At the beginning of the season the girls had a goal of going undefeated in the conference,” said head coach Sue Butz-Stavin. “They were able to accomplish that and they also had 13 shutouts, which they should be extremely proud of. They know that they have so much more to play for now and want to continue the winning tradition here.”

The Green Hornets finished the regular season 17-1 overall and 13-0 in the EPC. The lone loss came at the hands of national power Oak Knoll (New Jersey).

The Hornets received the top overall seed in this week’s conference tournament and hosted the eighth seed Liberty Monday. The winner plays the winner of the quarterfinal match up between fourth seed Nazareth and five seed Northampton in Thursday night’s semifinals.

“This year, we knew we’d be experienced on defense with our defenders and goalie back from last year,” Butz-Stavin said. “We just had to gain experience in the midfield and attack with some younger players. We used different formations and rotations and found the right players throughout the year. We’re excited for another run at conference, district and state championships this year.”