A streak that spanned over nine years ago ended yesterday for Emmaus as the Hornets lost to fellow national power Oak Knoll, NJ 2-1 on Saturday morning in Summit, NJ.
The defeat marked the first time since 2014 that head coach Sue Butz-Stavin’s team had dropped a regular-season game. Oak Knoll, pre-season ranked No. 17 according to MAX Field Hockey, also avenged for a 4-2 loss to the Hornets a year ago when the two teams met at Emmaus’ Memorial Field.
Junior Lillyana Venezia converted on a penalty stroke with 8:33 left in regulation for the Royals to break a 1-1 tie and keep Oak Knoll unbeaten on the season (4-0), while handing the Hornets their first loss of (7-1).
Emmaus, which had trailed for the first time all season, tied the game early in the fourth quarter on junior Lauren Kushma’s ninth goal of the season before the home team scored the game-winner just four minutes later.
Oak Knoll became just the second team to score against the Hornets this season.
For the game, Emmaus dominated time of possession holding a slim 12-11 advantage in shots on goal and 11-6 edge in penalty corners. Senior goalie Emma Cari was credited with seven saves for the Hornets, while sophomore Kristen Shindle made 10 stops for Oak Knoll.
Emmaus will look to bounce back from its first loss of the season on Monday at 6:30 p.m. as they host fellow unbeaten Easton in a big Eastern Pennsylvania Conference matchup. The game will be carried LIVE on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network beginning with the pregame show at 6:20 p.m.
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Oak Knoll 2, Emmaus 1
Em – 0-0-0-1 – 1
OK – 1-0-0-1 – 2
Scoring:
Em – Lauren Kushma 1g, Jordyn Poll 1a, Emma Cari 7 saves
OK – Laila Pasic 1g, Lilly Venezia 1g, Hope Russo 1a, Kristen Shindle 10 saves