RECAP >> Looking to win its first state playoff game in more than 10 years, Emmaus put together an incredible second half rally last night in its PIAA state playoff game against St. Joe’s Prep as they overcame a 7-2 deficit, but the comeback fell just short as the District 12 runners-up escaped with an 8-7 win in a game played at Nazareth High School. The game was carried LIVE on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network.
The Hornets, whose last win in states came back in 2010 — a 12-11 victory vs Lower Merion — had an opportunity to tie the game with just seconds left in regulation after they cut the Hawks lead to one goal, but junior Connor Flok’s shot was stopped by junior goalie Andrew Menold, preserving the win for St. Joe’s Prep who had also defeated Emmaus in states in 2019, 7-3.
The loss ended an incredible season for first-year head coach Stu Speicher’s squad, which finished with a 19-3 overall record including its second straight District XI Class 3A title.
In the defeat, Flok led the Hornets in scoring with a game-high four goals, three coming in the second half. He finished the year with 72 goals.
Senior Adam Monek added a pair of goals, Nos. 34 and 35 on the season, while classmate Zach Palinkas also scored in the loss.
St. Joe’s Prep, who dominated time of possession, was led in scoring by seniors Ryan Gaffney and Tyler Peterson along with junior Mitch Lloyd who all scored two goals. Sophomore Grant Snyder and senior Scott O’Connor each added a goal and an assist. The Hawks advance to the quarterfinals on Saturday to take on Garnet Valley, the District One runner-up.
The game marked the final one in the careers of Emmaus’ 14 seniors: Connor Carter, Zach Whalen, Zach Palinkas, Gavin Hoben, Adam Monek, Tyler Clokey, Cade Speicher, Derek Bishop, Ben Franco, Nate Seidel, Jack Minahan, Gannon Mesko, Justin Hollinger and Matt Dapper.
St. Joe’s Prep – 3-3-1-1 – 8
Emmaus – 1-1-1-4 – 7
Scoring: Em – Connor Flok 4g, Adam Monek 2g, Zach Palinkas 1g, Zack Younker 1a, Cade Speicher 1a, Zach Whalen 1a
St. Joe’s – Ryan Gaffney 2g, Tyler Peterson 2g, Mitch Lloyd 2g, Grant Snyder 1g/1a, Scott O’Connor 1g/1a