While the 2012 field hockey season brought some changes, the Zephyrs still managed to position themselves for postseason titles.

The most significant change was at the top. First-year coach Emily Repsher guided the Zephs to an 12-8 record, with appearances in both the Lehigh Valley Conference Championships and the District XI playoffs.

While conference and district titles eluded them, they still made 2012 a successful season and are poised to come back strong in 2013.

Repsher said she had to adjust to all the responsibilities with the new position, whether it was managing relations between the players and the coaching staff, or getting them prepared to play in a tough conference where expectations are high.

"I learned all the ins and outs of being a head coach," said Repsher.

Through it all, Repsher said she focused on one important aspect that could get them where they wanted to go.

"It was about making sure everybody's going for the same goal," Repsher said.

Another change was dealing with the schedule which would be impacted by girls soccer becoming a fall sport. They had to juggle their line-up and get younger players into the mix when there was a scheduling conflict. She said that experience will help her adapt to next year, building upon what she learned this year.

The team now begins a new chapter. Every year brings changes with players graduating, and the Zephs will have to deal with the impact of some significant losses.

They will lose the services of seniors Kayla Cunningham, Laura Gerhard, Anne Klepeiss, Molly Graveno and Emily Graveno. Respher knows she's losing a talented group of players, and with them a lot of firepower.

"That will have an impact, but hopefully our up and coming players will have the motivation to step in and find their role," said Repsher.

Replacing Cunningham, a two-time Lehigh Valley Conference MVP, will be a daunting task. She's been a prolific goal scorer her entire career and equaling that production will be hard to accomplish.

Gerhard was also an all-star, and her absence will create another huge void. She was a force on offense, helping establish Whitehall as one of the premier front lines in the area.

Additionally, Klepeiss's ability to find the back of the cage will be another tough spot to fill.

Midfielder Molly Graveno helped stabilize both ends of the field, and sister Emily was a bulwark in the cage, despite it being a new position.

Still, the Zephs have plenty to work with, beginning with Sarah Schannauer and Taylor George who were named as Honorable Mentions this year.

Kourtney Cunningham was sidelined with an injury this year, and her return to the lineup next season will provide a big boost.

They'll also return Myrissa Sitko, Karly Klein, Erin Everett, Taylor Hamscher, Decontee Krayee, each of whom logged varsity minutes.

Other players who will help maintain the maroon and gold's winning tradition include, Iman Azin, Katelin Bush, Jill Rex, Rosemary Roberts, Natalie Reitz, Haddy Fall, and Brittany Pantoni.

Repsher said that they're continually trying to build on the team aspect. That foundation begins with "staying together," and Repsher said becoming a cohesive unit is vital. It also depends upon players assuming more responsibility.

"In the upcoming season, I hope to see players take some leadership and continue to develop," said Repsher. "We want to continue to work toward an LVC and district title."