Trailing by one goal with under one minute left to play, the Emmaus High School boys lacrosse team threatened on the offensive end, but the game-tying goal just did not come. The Green Hornets were defeated by District 12’s Saint Joe’s Prep 8-7 last Tuesday evening in the first round of the PIAA Class 3A playoffs at Nazareth Area High School.

Emmaus’s season ends with a 19-3 overall record, a District 11 championship and a spot in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference championship game.

“While we were disappointed to have our season end with the loss to St. Joe’s Prep, I’m extremely proud of the many accomplishments by the team this season,” said Hornet head coach Stu Speicher. “I hope that we were able to create some lasting memories for the boys during a school year in which the chance to enjoy being with your friends and teammates was occurring far too infrequently.”

The Green Hornets trailed the Hawks 6-2 at halftime and were behind 7-2 in the third quarter, but fought back to pull to within just one late in the fourth. Leading scorer, Connor Flok, was able to get a shot off looking to tie, but the Prep goalie made the stop to secure the win and halt the comeback.

“St. Joe’s Prep is a talented team that plays a very demanding schedule against the premiere teams from the Philadelphia area,” Speicher said. “I was proud that our team competed strongly against them.”

Flok finished with a team-high four goals. Adam Monek scored twice and Zach Palinkas added one in the defeat. Zack Younker, Cade Speicher and Zach Whalen all had one assist.

The game marked the final time the senior class would suit up in the green and gold. Those players are Connor Carter, Whalen, Palinkas, Gavin Hoben, Monek, Tyler Clokey, Speicher, Derek Bishop, Ben Franco, Nate Seidel, Jack Minahan, Gannon Mesko, Justin Hollinger and Matt Dapper.

“The 14 seniors provided an immeasurable amount of leadership to the program this year,” said Speicher. “Their efforts made the 2021 season a successful chapter for Emmaus boys lacrosse and their impact on the program will have a positive effect for years to come.”

Emmaus will still bring back a solid core and look to defend their two straight district titles in 2022.

“It’s always exciting to see young players grow into new roles as they prepare for a new season,” Speicher said. “I’m impressed by how our team is already setting their goals for 2022 and beginning that pursuit.”