Once again the Whitehall field hockey team succumbed to a late goal by Stroudsburg, knocking them out of the District XI playoffs and ending their season.

It wasn’t an overtime goal that doomed the Zephyrs this time, but a shot with about five minutes remaining that sent Stroudsburg into the finals against Emmaus. Sydney Cramer scored the winning goal for the Mountaineers, giving them a 1-0 victory.

Head coach Jennifer Bodnar said that Stroudsburg’s goal came after they intercepted a clearing attempt, capitalizing on the opportunity. She said it happened pretty quickly, and even though the Zephs were pressing the attack in the Mounties end during the final minute of action, they couldn’t break through with the equalizer.

While they lost by the one-goal margin for the second time this postseason against the Mounties, Bodnar felt they played much better in the district semifinals.

“I think it was a very competitive game, very back and forth,” said Bodnar.

She said the game was played more in the midfield this time as both teams were trying to set up their attacks.

“It was definitely two even teams playing,” said Bodnar.

Taylor George also said their effort last Wednesday was an improvement from their prior meeting in the EPC semis.

“I think that we played a lot better than we played the last time,” said George.

George said that the Mounties goal was the result of a “mistake,” leaving a player open at the top of the circle.

“We didn’t step, and they were left with a wide open shot,” said George.

The Zephs had their opportunities throughout the game, but weren’t able to capitalize. They finished the game with eight penalty corners. Most of those opportunities came early, but Bodnar said they were buzzing around the cage in that final minute but couldn’t get a shot.

Bodnar said that the opportunity to play Stroudsburg again was a challenge they were looking forward to, a game they believed they could win after last week’s overtime loss.

“I think we were very optimistic heading into the game,” said Bodnar.

She said that the Mounties are a competitive team that plays aggressively. They’re also experienced and have the been near the top of the league for the last few years, losing in the district finals to Emmaus the last two seasons.

Still, she applauded the effort of her team who finished the season at 17-5.

“The girls played hard,” said Bodnar. “The girls played their hearts out. I couldn’t be more happy and proud for their effort.”

George said that their postseason run, making it to the semifinals in both the league and district was a bit of a surprise.

“I’m definitely very happy about the way that our season went,” said George. “Yes, I would have loved to definitely make it to the district finals and go on to states.

“Obviously no one wants their last game of high school to ever end. It was, I guess you could say disappointing, but at the same time I’m so happy and proud of everything we accomplished.”

NOTES: Whitehall placed four players on both the first and second EPC all-star teams. Cara Bonshak (25 goals) earned first team honors, while Taylor George, Kylee Cunningham and Rachel Schannauer were named to the second team. Bodnar said that Whitehall had the most players earning postseason honors in the EPC.