Before the season began, first-year Whitehall head girls soccer coach Dave Weitzman thought it would be a long shot that his squad would have 16 wins.

Fortunately, that long shot gradually transformed itself in a district playoff spot as well as an entry into the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) championship game.

With their 1-0 win over Emmaus Tuesday night, the Zephyrs advanced to the title tilt and play Parkland Thursday night. Whitehall entered the game with an overall 164 record.

It was the Zephyrs' first appearance in the conference championship game since 2012, when they advanced to the state final game and lost to Cumberland Valley.

"If someone asked me if we could have had 16 wins, I would have said 'no way'" said Weitzman. "We really grew up over the season. We knew we had one of the best players around in Kourtney Cunningham, but we have had so many other players blossom.

"Players like Maggie Due and Ivanna Jones have really been contributors for us. We also have had a tremendous year from Cara Bonshak, who should have been considered for the conference player of the year. She is definitely one of the best players around.

"This has been a true team effort for us."

Against Emmaus, Jones and Bonshak helped set up the winning goal for Due, who blasted the ball into the left side of the net with just 11 seconds left in regulation.

"I thought we dominated the field and the overall play," said Weitzman. "They (Emmaus) had good opportunities and chances. We had nine corner kicks and they had many shots. But they didn't have that many shots on the net.

"It was a hard-fought game and good victory for us."

Weitzman stated the team played without captain Maddy Walker, who missed the game with an injury, and they responded well.

"We had a number of girls who stepped up," said Weitzman. "It is difficult to play without your captain. This was a challenge for the girls."

Weitzman believes his team will be ready for district play with a rigid test in the EPC playoffs.

"We play in the best division in the EPC," stated Weitzman. "Playing our schedule really gets us ready for districts. We have a tough game every time out and it can be a real emotional roller coaster. We'll be ready for the (EPC) championship game and then move on to districts."