The Whitehall field hockey team was tasked with facing the league's number one seed as they tried to advance to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Field Hockey Championship finals.

Standing in their way was undefeated Stroudsburg High School, the league's top team. The Mounties earned the spot by virtue of their unblemished record in the EPC (15-0).

Whitehall knew it had to be on top of its game, and when the Mounties pushed across three goals in the first half, that task became even more daunting.

"They were definitely a difficult team to beat," said head coach Emily Repsher. "They came out really strong.

Repsher said that they played better in the second half. They were able to cut into the deficit when Kassidy Cunningham found the back of the cage. However, that's all the scoring they could muster, falling to the Mounties 4-1 to end their championship hopes.

If they could have duplicated their second half play at the outset of the game, Repsher believes there may have been a different result.

Still, the Mounties have a long pedigree, winners of the Mountain Valley Conference the last three years, and a district finalist in 2012.

"They were definitely a high-skilled team," said Repsher. "It will definitely be a challenge in districts."

Senior Kourtney Cunningham knows how tough the Mounties can be. She's faced them in the past, and knows they have some skilled players who can pose some problems. Still, she felt that it was a matter of possession.

"I felt that they possessed the ball more and controlled the ball more, which was something that helped them," said Cunningham. "If we meet them again, we just need to possess the ball and play how we play."

Repsher said they were more aggressive in the second half, attacking the Mounties defense. She said that Rachel Schannauer's play was a pivotal reason they were more competitive in the second half.

"She just really stepped up her game offensively," said Repsher.

Stroudsburg's experience and fundamental skills allowed them to prevail, according to Repsher.

"They were just tactically strong and technically strong," Repsher said.

In the game, goalkeeper Kayla Nailor recorded 11 saves for the Zephs.

The Zephs now shift their focus to Wednesday's game against Liberty High School in the opening round of the District XI playoffs. The Zephs who are the sixth seed will host the 11th seeded 'Canes at the Sports Complex.

The Hurricanes were 8-8 in the EPC this year. They'll be a bit of an unknown since the two teams didn't face each other this season. The last time they met was in 2013 and the Zephs won 4-2, overcoming a late surge by the 'Canes for the victory.

Repsher said they're not going to get bogged down into what Liberty does offensively or defensively.

"If we just play our game, and not get too involved in what everybody else is doing, we'll be fine." said Repsher.

She said they want to come out strong. That way they can set the tone early and keep the pressure on the 'Canes.

She was also relived that there are no soccer games scheduled that day. A number of the players participate in both field hockey and soccer. One of those players is Kourtney Cunningham. Kourtney Cunningham leads the team with 27 goals and 18 assists.

As they prepare for Liberty, Cunningham said that they key is to play the same brand of field hockey that's taken them into the postseason.

"Everybody has to work hard and we have to play our game," said Cunningham. "We can't take Liberty lightly just because we're a better seed than them. All of us want to keep pushing forward and win games."

Once again, possessing the ball will be tantamount to victory, said Cunningham. It allows them to control the game. She said if they do that, they'll achieve the outcome they're looking for.

Playing soccer and field hockey is tough on the legs. Both sports require a lot of running, highlighted by bursts of speed to get by an opponent. Cunningham often has to practice and play both on the same day. It can be quite taxing, and she has to be smart about her daily routine to stay fresh.

"I need to get rest and go to bed early," said Cunningham.

She also credits their training staff for keeping them in good shape through good care and ice baths once a week, making sure they have good recovery in the muscles.

One area that's been strong all year is their defense. Repsher said the key to maintaining that strength is good communication and organization.

"They're definitely a good strength," she said.