Coming up just short has been in the backs of the minds of the Emmaus girls lacrosse program for four straight years. The Hornets have fallen in the conference finals each of the last four seasons. Last year, they dropped a 14-10 contest to Parkland, and then were sent home in the first round of the District 11 tournament with a 12-4 defeat to Moravian Academy.

But 2016 is a different year, and Emmaus brings back plenty of experienced players that are looking to break through in the league and district tournaments.

“This team has a lot of potential and they’re ready for the season,” said head coach Nancy DeBellis. “They want it and I’d like to see them get there and win some type of championship. We have our senior tri-captains in Destanee Watkins, Morgan Schantz and Grace Sullivan and we’ll be leaning on them for leadership this season as well as juniors Maddy Dorn and Nina Carotenuto. We also have a good group of underclassmen with good stick skills.”

Along with those mentioned above, juniors Holly Brinckman, Hannah Moran, and Kendelle Conrad, and sophomores Paige Weaver and Lizzy Ninesling return to the lineup. Junior goalie Cristina Carotenuto, who was honorable mention All-Eastern Pennsylvania Conference is back in the net this year.

DeBellis also recognized the talent and skill at the freshman level, noting that there may be a few of the first-year players that see the field early.

One of those freshman, Taylor O’Brien, made an immediate impact in the Green Hornet’s first game of the season. She scored three goals and added two assists in the 14-9 season-opening win against Saucon Valley last Thursday.

“The team has speed and skill, we just need to get everyone working together and understanding our system,” said DeBellis. “There is a lot of potential. We are seeing some good lacrosse and expect improvement with each game as they work together.”