The Emmaus girls tennis team closed out the regular season against Parkland, and the Green Hornets anticipate the postseason ahead.

In 2023, the Hornets finished with a 15-5 record (12-3 EPC) and edged Southern Lehigh, 3-2, in the quarterfinal round of the district tournament before they fell to eventual champion Parkland, 5-0, in the semifinal round.

This season, Emmaus had an overall 14-3 record. The Hornets began the season with a seven-match winning streak before they dropped a 4-3 decision to Stroudsburg Sept. 3

The Hornets then went on a six-match win streak before it ended with a 4-3 loss to Liberty Sept. 19. Recently, the Hornets downed Nazareth, 6-1, Sept. 19 and then were tripped up by Liberty, 4-3, Sept. 21.

Head coach Robert Dragotta is optimistic about the postseason.

“We expect to do well in the EPC tournament,” said head coach Robert Dragotta. “We also are looking forward to the district team tournament.”

Dragotta will look to senior co-captains Ashlyn Phy and Ava Grace Saab to pace their postseason run. Phy has a 14-3 overall record at second singles, and Saab has an 11-6 slate at third singles.

“They both have had solid seasons,” added Dragotta. “They have been outstanding leaders for us.”

Dragotta also is anticipating the spring season when it will be his 50th coaching in the sport.

He began his career at Pennridge in 1975, and spent 30 years in the capacity there. Dragotta also has been a pro at Oakmont for six years, and was a pro and director for the Sand Island Tennis Club in Bethlehem for six years.

Dragotta also served as an assistant coach at Salisbury for two years before his current six-year stint at Emmaus.

“The girls wanted to celebrate this year, but it is only 49 years,” noted Dragotta. “we’re just looking for finish strong.”