Kylee Cunningham looked in midseason form when the Whitehall field hockey team wrapped up its summer league schedule recently.

The senior-to-be scored three goals as the Zephyrs defeated Easton 5-2. The game marked the end of a busy summer season that lasted eight weeks.

Head coach Jennifer Bodnar said that 16 teams competed this season with games held every Monday and Tuesday.

“Throughout the summer, we as Whitehall played really, really well,” said Bodnar. “I’m really happy with the turn out; I’m really happy with the progression; I think every week we got better.”

Bodnar also said that a lot of underclassmen contributed as well, earning valuable playing time as they head into the fall. She said that they displayed athleticism that will help make the transition to varsity a bit easier.

“I think it’s just a matter of jelling and filling some of the major losses [to graduation] that we had last year,” said Bodnar.

They’ve been playing so well, in fact, that she wished they could continue to play. However, a layoff now begins until they hit the practice field in late August.

Bodnar said the summer has been highlighted by her group of seniors who have stepped up and assumed leadership roles.

“I’m really impressed with that,” she said.

She also said their commitment to playing field hockey during the summer when they have other commitments, both personally and scholastically, has also stood out.

“I’m really proud of the commitment, the girls came out and dedicated their time,” she said.

That began with a team camp at the end of June that lasted three days. She said that participating in the camp as well as the summer league helps them “get where they need to go to get to the next level.”

They finished the summer with a winning record, and now will prepare for the upcoming season where they entire roster will be ready to compete in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

In the game against Easton, they were constantly swarming the net. They dominated the action, playing in the opposition’s half of the field for the majority of the game. That led to some rebound goals as well as some breakaways that highlighted their team speed.

Bodnar said that one of the goals this summer was to utilize their speed. That was in full display against Easton, especially when Kylee Cunningham received a long through ball just above the circle, made a strong pivot move, and then outran the defender before unleashing a rocket that found the back of the cage.

“I don’t know if there is a forward line that could top our speed this year,” said Bodnar.

Those forwards include Kassidy Cunningham, Kate Bonshak, Morgan Anderson, Cara Bonshak and Kylee Cunningham.

“We are just loaded, especially at the forward line,” Bodnar said.

They utilized that strength all summer which helped them post a winning record. Bodnar said Kylee Cunningham is a phenomenal player who works non-stop every time she steps on the field.

“She really plays the position great,” said Bodnar.