During its 10-game win streak dating back to December 10 of last year, Emmaus has been dominating the competition, outscoring its opponents by an average margin of almost 31 points per game.
Only twice during that stretch have the Hornets been tested with games in single digits.
Last night as they traveled to Bethlehem Catholic in a hostile environment and in front of a large crowd on the Golden Hawks Youth Night, Emmaus found itself in an unfamiliar position trailing after three quarters.
It hardly fazed them.
Thanks to a strong fourth quarter where they outscored the hosts 17-11, which included some clutch free throw shooting late and some defense stops, the Hornets were able withstand the upset-minded hosts and continue their winning ways with a heart-stomping 56-53 victory.
It was the 11th straight victory for Avon Mack’s team who improved to 14-1 on the season while also remaining the lone unbeaten in the EPC at 10-0. Emmaus is also a perfect 10-0 on the road this season.
“Tonight was all about the ladies hustle, grit and determination,” said the Hornets first year coach following the game. “They persevered through adversity, and they never gave up.
“You come into a hostile environment like we faced here tonight, and you come away with any type of win and I’m appreciative. All I can do is thank those ladies for it.”
Junior Gabby DeVita, the team’s leading scorer, continued to put up big numbers as she paced the Hornets with a team-high 18 points – nine in each half. For her efforts, she was named the Player of the Game on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network’s LIVE broadcast.
“What can you say. Number 4 (DeVita) has been doing it all year,” said Mack. “I think a lot of people around the league overlook her. She deserves a lot of credit tonight.”
Sophomore Kayla Snyder returned to the lineup after missing three of the last four games with an injury and added 14 points including three 3-pointers.
Both DeVita and Snyder also made key free throws in the last minute of the game to preserve the victory.
Olive Whitney came off the bench and once again provided a spark with a career-high 13 points, including 10 in the first half, while senior Sylvia Sokolofki drew the praise from her head coach and finished with eight points and a number of key rebounds.
Bethlehem Catholic was paced by junior Kendall Nickisher who scored 14 of her game-high 19 points in the second half. Junior Leah Ault added 11 and freshman Palin Coleman nine for the Golden Hawks who were hurt by poor free-throw shooting in the game — 46 percent (7 of 15). Becahi lost for the fourth time in their last six games dropping to 7-3 in the EPC and 8-7 overall.
Emmaus will be back in action on Friday as they host Whitehall at 7 p.m.
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Emmaus 56, Becahi 53
Em – Kayla Snyder 4 3-4 14, Gabby DeVita 7 2-4 18, Sylvia Sokolofksi 3 0-0 8, Sofie Laird 0, Cassie Doemling 2 1-2 5, Olive Whitney 5 1-1 13, Emma Naccarato 0, Sierra Stevens 0. Totals: FG 21, FT 7-11, 3s (7 – Snyder 3, Whitney 2, DeVita 2)
BC – Leah Ault 5 1-1 11, Palin Coleman 3 3-7 9, Kendall Nickisher 8 0-0 19, Tess Tryanski 1 0-0 2, Mekhyla Britt 2 2-3 6, Nia Bush 0, Daviana Jones 2 2-2 6, Mikaila Brooks 0. Totals: FG 21, FT 8-15, 3s (3 – Nickisher 3)
Em – 16-12-11-17 – 56
BC – 10-14-18-11 – 53
JV – Emmaus 50-29