RECAP >> If defense wins championships, the Emmaus girls lacrosse team could be desinted for some gold in the the very near future.
The Hornets certainly proved that in their much-anticipated and physical matchup against defending EPC and District XI champ Easton on a cold and blustery Thursday night at Memorial Field.
Sophomore goalie Alani Shotwell came up with a number of big saves leading a defensive unit that allowed just one goal in the second half, and junior Emily Holllinger wound up scoring the game-winning score as Emmaus took down Easton 6-5 handing the Red Rovers their first loss in league play.
The victory moved Emmaus atop the EPC standings at 7-1, a half game ahead of both Easton and Parkland (6-1). It also improved the Hornets overall mark to 14-1 and the win avenged for a pair of losses to the Red Rovers a season ago, including 10-5 in last year’s EPC championship game.
Shotwell, who took over in goal this season after the graduation of standout Ellie Ervin, was outstanding between the pipes in arguably her best effort of the season as she came up with nine saves of the night, including a key stop against Easton junior Reese Krieger with a little over two minutes remaining in regulation and her team leading by a goal.
In front of Shotwell, her defensive unit of seniors Marybeth Smith, Kam Watkins and Madeline Conway along with junior Emily Wassel held a high-powered Easton offense averaging which was averaging nearly 17 goals a game to its lowest offensive output of the season.
Hollinger led the Emmaus offense with two goals on the night, both coming in the second half. Her first goal just five minutes into the second half gave her a team a 5-4 lead and then, after Easton had tied the game at 5-5 on goal from sophomore Jocelyn Morgan, she scored the game-winner with just under 14 minutes left in regulation on a well-placed shot by senior goalie Kylee Hager who also played an outstanding game.
Senior Julia Cote, the Hornets leading scorer (59 goals/28 assists) scored a goal and an assist in the win but had to sit for much of the second half after receving a second yellow card.
Sophomore Jordyn Poll also had a goal and an assist in the win for the Hornets, while senior Mikayla Viola and sophomore Sophia Candy also found the back of the net with first half goals.
Easton was led by Morgan and senior Ava Milia who each scored a pair of goals. Krieger added a goal and an assist.
Emmaus will return to action at 10 a.m. on Saturday when they travel to Governor Mifflin to take on the Mustangs in a non-league game.
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Emmaus 6, Easton 5
Ea – 4-1 – 5
Em – 4-2 – 6
Ea – Jocelyn Morgan 2g, Ava Milia 2g, Reese Krieger 1g/1a, Kylee Hager 6 saves
Em – Emily Hollinger 2g, Julia Cote 1g/1a, Jordyn Poll 1g/1a, Mikayla Viola 1g, Sophia Candy 1g, Alani Shotwell 9 saves