With the district playoffs approaching, the Whitehall field hockey team will rely on their strong veteran presence to guide the way as they look to make a deep run in the postseason.

The Zephyrs will take the field this week in a match against Northampton High School, a game which pits the No. 5 seed Whitehall against the No. 4 Konkrete Kids. These two teams split the season series, each winning on their home turf.

One of those veterans who has been through plenty of postseason duels is Kylee Cunningham. The senior forward scored the lone goal in their final game against Parkland, giving the Zephs a victory to close out the season.

The Kids present a tough challenge for the Zephyrs, and Kylee Cunningham knows they have to be aggressive.

“I think we need to come out really hard,” said Kylee Cunningham.

Kylee is one of three Cunninghams who can shape the outcome of a game for the Zephs. The others are her sister Kassidy and cousin Caitlin.

Kylee said that they needed to be strong to the ball, both offensively and defensively, and that will be the key to their success.

They have a lot of firepower throughout their line-up and their forward line is quick and can generate plenty of scoring opportunities. That’s why it’s important that the defenders don’t get to the ball before they do, she said.

In their last meeting, they had a tough time solving Northampton goalkeeper Ashley Kunsman who turned away 17 shots en route to the 1-0 shutout. Kyle Cunningham said that they had to continue to apply the pressure and make sure they take advantage of their opportunities.

The last two years the Zephyrs have been eliminated by Stroudsburg in the district playoffs. This year they’re not on Stroudsburg’s side of the bracket and would only meet them in the finals. This year they’re in the same bracket as Emmaus, a tough hurdle, but not impossible to overcome.

In order to make a deep run, Kylee said that experience will prove beneficial. That way she can help the younger players navigate the ups and downs of an elimination game. That begins with building their confidence.

“I just need to talk with them and encourage them,” she said.

She said it’s important not to get down, no matter what happens during the course of a game. That’s why remaining upbeat is crucial.

“I want to give them positive energy,” said Kylee Cunningham. “It makes you want to play harder when you do that.”

The Zephyrs will be counting on all their seniors to lead the way. That list includes Jaida Marks, Rachel Schannauer, Cara Bonshak, Kayla Nailor, and Haley Yandrasitz.

With the conclusion of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, the annual all-star list brought some recognition for a couple of Zephyrs. Schannauer, a defender, earned first team honors all-EPC, while Bonshak, a midfielder, was a second team selection.