Playing from behind all night long against rival Central Catholic in their EPC semifinal matchup at BASD Stadium on Thursday, it could have been very easy for Emmaus head coach Chris Hain’s team to throw up the white flag.
After all, the Hornets had trailed twice in the game by what looked like insurmountable three-goal deficits.
But what the Hornets first-year head coach witnessed from his young and resilient group was a comeback effort that they can be proud of as they battled the top-seed Vikettes before eventually running out of time in a very high-scoring and physical 4-3 loss.
“We never stopped fighting. Every game that we’re in were learning lessons from our younger players and that’s important,” said a proud Hain following the game. “Obviously we lost tonight, but it’s important to learn what we need to do to keep moving forward and getting better. I was really proud of the effort we showed, and we didn’t back down; we just kept fighting and pushing. “
Emmaus, which had battled Central Catholic to a scoreless draw back on September 6, had trailed by margins of 3-1 and 4-1 in the second half, but battled back on a pair of goals from sophomore forward Lizzie Bender less than two minutes apart to make it a one goal game with just 1:57 showing on the clock.
Eventually, time ran out on the Hornets but not before a spirited comeback effort.
“At the end of the day we know we can compete with any team, as young and as small as we are, but we just have to compete for a full 80 minutes and not let up,” said Hain.
With the loss, Emmaus’ hopes for getting back to its first league final since 2022 ended as they fell to 15-3-2 overall on the season.
Meanwhile, Central Catholic, advances to Saturday’s championship game at Noon at Whitehall opposite Parkland, which got a late second half goal to knock off No. 2 seed Nazareth 1-0.
Bender led the Hornets offense with her team-leading 14th and 15th goals of the season, while senior Morgan Tandy added her second goal.
For the Vikettes, senior Dee McMullen led the way with two goals – one in each half. Senior Emma Wells and sophomore Charlotte Patterson also tallied scores less than three minutes apart from each other in the second half that gave Central Catholic a commanding 3-0 lead.
For the match, CCHS outshot Emmaus 10-7 with the Vikettes holding a 5-1 edge in corners. In goal, senior Ashley Stine was credited with six saves for Emmaus, while her counterpart, senior Lindsay Yen, made four stops.
Emmaus will now prepare for the upcoming District XI Class 4A Tournament which gets underway next week.
“We still have a lot to play for,” added Hain. “I’m excited every day that I get to step on the field with these girls. It’s a great group.”
For the most complete coverage of Emmaus sports, follow on ‘X’ and like Emmaus sports on facebook.
CCHS 4, Emmaus 3
Em – 0-3 – 3
CC – 1-3 – 4
Scoring:
CC – Dee McMullen 26′
CC – Emma Wells 47′
CC – Charlotte Patterson ’50
Em – Morgan Tandy ’57 (assist Giuliana Meyer)
CC – Dee McMullen ’73
Em – Lizzy Bender ’77 (assist Tandy)
Em- Bender PK ’78