RECAP >> The margin of victory this time was much closer, but the result was the same as Emmaus beat rival Easton for the second time this season, 12-9 in last night’s Eastern Pennsylvania Conference semifinal held at Al Erdosy Field at Northampton High School.
After dominating the Red Rovers in a 17-4 victory back on April 25, head coach Roxanne Betz’s squad (15-4 overall) got a more determined Easton squad with a berth in the league championship game on the line.
But thanks to huge stops in goal in the final minutes of the game from junior goalkeeper Alani Shotwell, who made 15 saves on the night, the Hornets was able to survive the upset and move on where they’ll face a familiar foe in top-seeded Pleasant Valley, which rolled to an 18-3 victory over fourth-seeded Parkland in the other semifinal.
The two teams will meet for the second year in a row in next Tuesday’s championship game at 5 p.m. back at Northampton with Emmaus looking for a bit of revenge after falling to the Bears in last year’s final 11-9. The Hornets will also be in search of their first league crown since 2011. LIVE coverage of the game will be carried on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network beginning at 4:40 p.m.
In last night’s win, junior Bri McClain led Emmaus with five goals and an assist, while teammate senior Emily Hollinger added a hat trick. Junior Olivia Schmidt also tallied a pair of scores and junior Melea Weber was busy dishing out a career-high six assists.
For Easton (11-6), Reese Krieger led the attack with five goals while Karsen Hippert added a goal and two assists. Between the pipes, Olivia Heryla (four saves) and Madison Manno (six) combined for 10 saves.
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Emmaus 12, Easton 9
Easton – 6-3 – 9
Emmaus – 9-3 – 12
Scoring:
Easton – Reese Krieger 5g, Jocelyn Morgan 1g/1a, Karsen Hippert 1g/2a, Lydia Attisano 1g/1a, Madison Ibach 1g/1a, Olivia Heryla/Madison Manna 9 saves
Emmaus – Bri McClain 5g/1a, Emily Hollinger 3g/1a, Olivia Schmidt 2g, Natalie McKiernan 1g, Taylor Younker 1g, Melea Weber 6a, Jordyn Poll 1a, Alani Shotwell 15 saves