The Emmaus softball season came to an end last week with a 9-2 loss to Whitehall in the season finale. The team completed play in the EPC at 6-10 and finished 8-11 overall.

The Lady Hornets came into the season as a very young team, but coach John Eyer believes that the players showed poise and took strides to becoming a much better team down the road.

“These girls did well this year,” Eyer said. “Obviously, we had some bumps in the road, but they battled and I think they learned a lot about what it takes to win. I was impressed with how our defense improved this year. Again, we had some hiccups there, but overall it was much better. We have young pitchers who will get better and there are some bats on this team, too.”

Among the seniors exiting are Jocelyn Kelly, Sarah Mohr, Mirando O’Donald, Emily Quigg and Erin Schmick. Besides losing five seniors, the roster had three juniors, but was comprised primarily of sophomore players. Seven sophomores made the team this season and saw time on the field to help them develop for the future.

“We mixed in the young players where we could and I think it’s going to help them,” said Eyer. “They play a lot of softball, not just in school, but on other teams over the summer and stuff. So, it’s not like they don’t have any experience, but any playing time they get, no matter whether it’s here or somewhere else, helps them.”

As for the team’s record this season, Eyer knew there would be some tough patches, but was looking beyond just wins and losses in evaluating the team.

“Sure, we would have liked to win a few more games, and there were some games that we let get away from us,” Eyer said. “The big thing though, again, is gaining that experience and getting better. Our seniors did a great job all throughout their time with us and they were good leaders for us this season. Now, the juniors will look to put their stamp down next season and these kids who were sophomores this season will have to start stepping up and I think they will.”

While Emmaus can only watch from the sidelines this season as the conference and district playoffs go into full swing, the youth movement that was a big story line throughout the season could put them in a position to be watching from the dugout a year from now when the postseason gets underway.