The Whitehall field hockey team ended their regular season on a high note, defeating rival Parkland which helped cement their spot in the EPC playoffs.

With their 11-6 record (8-5 in the EPC), the Zephs have qualified for both the league and district playoffs.

They defeated the Trojans 1-0, getting a goal from Kylee Cunningham to avenge an earlier loss to Parkland. That game was also decided by a goal, with Parkland winning 3-2.

The senior parked her 15th goal of the season for the win, helping to get the Zephyrs into the EPC tourney.

With the victory they finished the season at 11-6.

Head coach Jennifer Bodnar was pleased with their effort the entire game, especially on defense, recording their seventh shutout of the season. Goalkeeper Kayla Nailor finished the game with four saves.

Kylee Cunningham’s goal came off a corner, something that Bodnar was “excited to see.”

Bodnar said that they rose to the occasion against Parkland, a team that they may encounter again in the postseason.

“The girls responded really well,” said Bodnar. “It was a good team victory.”

With the win, Whitehall occupied the eighth seed and drew undefeated Emmaus in the first round of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference playoffs. They met Saturday afternoon at Emmaus’ home field and lost 6-0. The loss was on the heels of perhaps their best game in a while against the defensing state champs, losing 1-0 to the Green Hornets on Oct. 6.

Bodnar said that the Green Hornets came out strong and with something to prove. The Zephyrs were the only team to really test them this season, and once they got on the board, it became increasingly difficult for the Zephyrs to climb back into the game.

“We made way too many mistakes in our defensive end,” said Bodnar.

Nailor turned away 16 shots in the loss.

The Zephyrs will now prepare for the district playoffs. Bodnar said that they occupy the 5th seed and that means they’ll be playing at Northampton when the tournament begins next week. They split with the Konkrete Kids this season, winning at home to start the year, and then losing at Northampton on Sept. 30.

As they look to make a run deep into the postseason, they’ll be putting their energy into getting better. All three losses to the Green Hornets have taught them the areas they need to improve in to vie for a district championship. Bodnar said that they’re looking forward to competing at that level.