It was another lesson for the Zephyrs in their battle with Emmaus High School as they try to unseat the reigning champs who still sit in LVC field hockey's top perch.

Their 4-0 loss came last Wednesday in a game where the Zephs couldn't muster enough offense, and were hampered by the loss of the some key players due a scheduling conflict.

They've been knocking on the door the last few seasons, meeting the Green Hornets in the league and district finals last year, with the latter game decided by two goals.

The Zephyrs are trying to close the gap and that will take some additional offensive strategies as well as capitalizing on Emmaus' mistakes, said head coach Emily Repsher.

Still, Repsher felt the game revealed a strength that they can build upon as they march toward the postseason.

"I took away from that game that I could be confident on my defense," said Repsher.

Repsher's team didn't allow the mighty Hornets a goal until 45 ticks remained in the first half, a positive sign for the future. It demonstrated a tenacity that gave the first-year coach a good feeling as they navigate their way through a tough Lehigh Valley Conference.

"That was an incredible accomplishment," she said.

While the Green Hornets pulled away in the second half, the effort her undermanned team gave signaled they're still a team that's going to be there in the end.

"I came away being really proud of them," said Repsher. "They worked really hard."

The game featured a bunch of new faces who were trying to mesh together as they worked hard to fend off the reigning district champs. While the box score may not indicate it, Repsher said the Zephs played well in limiting the Hornets who were averaging close to nine goals in their last four games.

"They dominated a bit, but we were able to hold them off," Repsher said.

High on that list of players who rose to the occasion was goalkeeper Emily Graveno. Repsher said that Graveno stopped 16 of the 19 shots she faced.

"She did an outstanding job," said Repsher.

It's Graveno's first year as goalie, and she's handled herself well, said Repsher who's watched the growth of her junior net minder.

"She did an amazing job," said Repsher. "She's really progressed."

The Zephs bounced back with a 9-1 win against Dieruff High School. That was followed by a 5-0 blanking versus Bethlehem Catholic High School, raising their record to 8-2.

In the game against the Huskies, the Zephs had first half goals by Anne Klepeiss (2), Laura Gerhard, Sarah Schannauer, Taylor Hamscher and Kayla Cunningham. The second half featured cage crackers by Gerhard, Hamscher and Myrissa Sitko.

The win over the Golden Hawks featured a hat trick by Kayla Cunningham, her third of the season. Also scoring were Klepeiss and Schannauer. Assisting on those goals were Erin Everett (2), Gerhard, and Kayla Cunningham.

Repsher said that the key to winning that game was the way the team focused on their passing, a skill they've been continually trying to refine. She said they've been stressing "getting the ball, and then getting rid of the ball," a feat they accomplished in the win.

"We really showed some improvement in that game," said Repsher.

She also noted the effort of her defense again as they stiffened when the Hawks threatened, forming a wall that was hard to penetrate.

"We were solid in the back line," said Repsher. "We stayed tactically sound, marking our players."

A combination of Zephs made sure the Hawks never found the net, led by Everett, Schannauer and Emily Graveno. That effort told Repsher she has a talented roster of defenders who can pitch a shutout.

"I feel confident when they're back there," said Repsher. "They know the plan and protect us."

This week the Zephs entertained Freedom High School at the Sports Complex, defeating the Pates 3-1.

Goals by Klepeiss, Schannauer, Gerhard and Kayla Cunningham led to their ninth victory.

Once again their passing set up the win as they worked as a unit getting the ball up the field. It pay dividends as three different players scored, making sure the Pates couldn't key on one player.

Repsher said that they also were opportunistic, finding the back of the cage when the chance arose.

"We're really working hard on possessing the ball and using the whole team," said Repsher.