After an undefeated season that led to the program’s 13th state championship, the Emmaus Hornets had seven players honored with a selection to the Pennsylvania Field Hockey Coaches Association All-State Team. Four players – Abby Burnett, Kyleigh Faust, Annika Herbine and Rachel Herbine – were chosen as first team all-state players. Three others – Alexis Kociban, Bailey Tietz and Jenna Villaneuve – were named to the second team.

Senior Annika Herbine left her mark on the Emmaus program by becoming a member of the 100-100 Club, tallying 100 goals and 100 assists during her playing career, putting herself into the National High School Record Book. Herbine led the team in scoring, but coach Sue Butz-Stavin noted that another aspect of Herbine’s play was important to making the team successful.

“Her enthusiasm radiated throughout the team and energized the team play,” said Butz-Stavin. “She was resistant and relentless in her play. She was a stellar player on both offensive and defensive corners.”

Herbine was the lone senior to make the first team for Emmaus and was joined by a junior and two sophomores.

Kyleigh Faust was a key player for Emmaus throughout the season, but really stepped up for the Lady Hornets in the state semifinals and finals, scoring two goals in the state championship game for Emmaus.

“Kylie was a shutdown player for us on opponent’s offensive threats and started our counterattacks this season,” said Butz-Stavin. “She also was a big contributor as our defensive post player on corners.”

The two sophomores who were named to the team were Abby Burnett and Rachel Herbine. Burnett played at right halfback and was impressive on both offensive and defensive corners for the Lady Hornets. Meanwhile, Herbine showed an ability to find open players using her strong passing skills.

“Abby really helped to control the midfield for us. She has great vision on connecting passes in our offensive attack and she’s got an excellent field hockey IQ,” Butz-Stavin said. “Rachel had that special sister connection with Annika in receiving passes and scoring and showed herself to be a very good finisher. She also has the ability to draw a defender and pass off to another player to set up scoring opportunities.”

Not only did Emmaus capture its 13th state championship, but the Hornets also won the District 11 title to make it 32 straight district championships. The team finished with a 16-0-0 overall record this season, putting Butz-Stavin’s career record at 987-82-35 through 46 seasons of coaching at Emmaus.