The Emmaus High School girls lacrosse team came within one win from an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference championship last season and was also in the District 11 semifinals, but fell short of winning gold in both. The Hornets return a solid core from that team and will look to get over the top and earn some gold medals.

Emmaus went 13-8 overall and 6-2 in the conference last spring. The Hornets were defeated by Pleasant Valley 9-4 in the EPC final after defeating Easton 10-6 in the semifinal round. The Red Rovers, however, ended the Hornets’ season with a 12-10 victory in the district semifinals.

A talented group of players graduated after last season, including Alani Shotwell, Olivia Schmidt, Bri McClain, Jordyn Poll, Melea Weber, Olivia East and Alyvia Herman.

Ninth-year head coach Roxann Betz welcomes back a strong core in Abby DiComes, Brooke Peterson, Sarah Gross, Rylie Poll, Devin O’Neil, Abbey Thomas, Mattie China, McKenzie Schuler, Veronica McGraw and Taylor Younker.

Some key newcomers that will look to contribute include Kate Newhard, Kaitlyn Grochowski, McKenna Guzik, Ally Kusko, Maddie Lenig, Sarah Palazzo, Sofia Isaksson, Kate Rainford, Keira Dunn, Ava Roberts and Sydney Schaadt.

“We are excited for the upcoming season,” said Betz. “The team bond is amazing and the girls are looking forward to competing each and every day. We have a core group of returning defenders looking to shut down opposing teams as we look for a new offensive unit to build chemistry and trust in one another. We have one of the most challenging nonconference schedules this year and we look to use those games to teach us about our strengths and also identify our areas of focus to prepare us for later in the season and entering into the post season.”