Facing rival Parkland for the third time this season, and with a lot riding on the outcome, top-seeded Emmaus once again took care of business as the Hornets defeated the Trojans 5-2 last night in the District XI Class 3A semifinals held at the Zephyr Sports Complex in Whitehall.
The victory guarantees head coach Sue Butz Stavin’s team, now 22-1 on the season, at least two more games as they’ve punched their ticket to the district final where they will be aiming for their 36th consecutive championship taking on Easton at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Catasauqua Middle School. The Hornets will also be making a return trip back to the PIAA State Tournament to defend their title from a year ago.
In last night’s victory, senior Autum Kernechel scored a pair of goals and assisted on a third to lead the offense for Emmaus, which had already defeated Parkland twice this season, 6-0 and 4-0.
Senior Emmy Horner had an outstanding game and got the scoring started with her 30th goal of the season, while sophomores Gracie Huffer and Sadie Nawarynski also found the back of the cage. In goal, junior Aiko Price picked up the win making nine saves.
Parkland ended their season at 15-6-1 after their third loss to Emmaus. The Trojans got goals from senior Jordan Brunnabend and freshman Olivia Esteban. Sophomore Audrina Stewart was busy making 27 stops in goal.
For the game, Emmaus outshot Parkland 45-11 with the Hornets holding a 15-8 advantage in penalty corners.
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Emmaus 5, Parkland 2
Em – 2-1-2-0 – 5
Pa – 0-0-1-1 – 2
Scoring:
Em – Emmy Horner (assist Autum Kernechel)
Em – Gracie Huffer
Em – Kernechel (PS)
Em – Kernechel (assist Morgann Orobono)
P – Jordan Brunnabend
E – Sadie Nawarynski
P – Olivia Esteban
Stats:
Shots – Em 45, Park 11
PCs – Em 15, Park 8
Saves – Em (Price 9), Park (Stewart 27)
PHOTO GALLERY (Courtesy of Nicholas Romano)
Pictured: Autum Kernechel
Pictured: Aiko Price
Pictured: Gracie Huffer