RECAP >> It’s not often that over the past five years that the Emmaus field hockey program has tasted defeat.
In fact, since 2019 the Hornets have lost only three times in the span of 124 games.
Heading into their much-anticipated matchup on Saturday afternoon at perennial District 3 power Penn Manor, Emmaus was looking to remain unbeaten on the season and extend their win streak to 34 straight games dating back to last year.
But the Comets had other ideas as they handed the Hornets their first loss of the season, 4-3.
“We were outplayed a little bit and credit to Penn Manor, they brought a lot of energy,” said Emmaus head coach Sue Butz-Stavin. “They executed on their corners, and I think they wanted it more than we did. It was not a good day for the Hornets.”
Penn Manor led the entire way scoring at least one goal in each quarter, building a 3-1 lead at the half before holding off a late Emmaus rally.
The loss dropped the Hornets overall to 14-1 on the season and the four goals allowed was the most given up since the 2018-19 season when Emmaus lost to Hershey 5-3 in the PIAA State playoffs.
In the defeat, senior Emmy Horner had a big game scoring all three of her team’s goals.
For Penn Manor, freshman Kelby Dings scored a pair of goals including what wound up being the game-winner off a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter. Junior Ali Smith also had a goal, while classmate Chloe Hook dished out two assists for the Comets who improved to 11-3 overall. A season ago, Penn Manor finished 16-6-1 and qualified for the state tournament.
Statistically, Penn Manor outshot Emmaus 12-9 and held an 8-5 edge in penalty corners. In goal, junior Aiko Price was credited with eight saves, while sophomore Marissa Harnish made four stops for the Comets.
“We didn’t play good with making decisions on the field and hopefully this is a learning experience, and a wakeup call for us,” said Butz-Stavin.
The Hornets will look to bounce back when they return to action on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. as they host Nazareth (11-1). The game will be carried LIVE on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network.
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Penn Manor 4, Emmaus 3
Em – 0-1-1-1 – 3
PM -1-1-1-1 – 4
Scoring:
PM – Kelby Dings (assist Chloe Hook)
PM – Morgan Hook (assist Chloe Hook)
Em- Emmy Horner
PM – Ali Smith
Em- Horner
Em – Horner (assist Autum Kernechel)
PM – Dings
STATS:
SOG – Em 9, PM 12
Penalty Corners – Em 5, PM 8
Saves – Em (Aiko Price 8), PM (Marissa Harnish 4)