The Whitehall field hockey team sits at 5-4 as of Monday and in third place in District 11 2A.

However, the team’s hot start has been met with some bigger challenges as they hit the midway point.

“The season started off with a few great wins, but we have certainly faced some more intense games and teams in the middle portion of our season,” head coach Gabrielle Smith said. “We continue to work on our field vision, and creating more movement off ball. Our team has a strong senior class that helps create an experienced lineup, but we also have a large number of sophomores that contribute tremendously to our play.”

The team fell to Pocono Mountain East 3-2.

The Zephs trailed 1-0 after Mikenna Price scored on an assist from Mia Lopez. But Whitehall came back to take the lead.

Emma Bonshak would score unassisted to make it 1-1 before Matisyn Derkacs made it 2-1 in favor of Whitehall.

But Lilly Kauffman scored on an assist from Dakota Stiff to make it 2-2 and Price would eventually scored the game-winner.

The girls did get a 2-1 win over Liberty.

The score was tied at 1-1 at the half after Maitsyn Derkacs scored for the Zephs.

Julianna Zumas scored Liberty’s goal.

Catherine Hudak would make it 2-1.

Emma Bonshak recorded an assist for the Zephs.

Bonshak, a senior captain, does an amazing job creating offensive movement and keeping the team encouraged, Smith said. Bonshak is Whitehall’s top goal scorer and is supported by senior forward Catherine Hudak as well who also has created many breakaways. Ava Kozak, a sophomore, is the third forward on the starting line. Her consistent composure helps, according to Smith. The points consist of Alina Culver (senior) and Olivia Fonzone (sophomore).

“They work hard to provide the offense with the needed support to retain the ball within the 25-yard line,” Smith said.

Lydia Keppel has been holding down the center of the field and helps to connect the left-side play to the right-side play. Aubrey Steiner, junior, has had amazing long ball hits up the field and had demonstrated great hustle on the left side of play, Smith said.

Matisyn Derkacs, a sophomore, has had a few goals this season, but also supports defensive play and has had amazing step-ups over the past few games, Smith said.

In the back Kady Kratzer and Maisey Hartman, both seniors, have helped navigate some challenging defensive situations. Ava Demjan (junior) and Mya Frana (senior) have assisted in multiple positions and add an increased speed to the team, Smith said.

In goal, Lily Trocki (sophomore) and Olivia Wickel (senior), both have had amazing saves throughout this season, Smith went on to say.

“As we advance through our season we are looking to acquire more wins and continue to improve our style of play,” Smith added.

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The cross country team competed against Emmaus, Central, Pocono West, Pocono East and Pleasant Valley on Sept. 20.

Mikayla Warren led the way for the Zeph girls, taking 11th in 22:59 in a meet dominated by the Hornets. Tessa Hopkins was 30th in 27:21.20, Kathy Chen was 34th 28:06.03 and Grace Tsamutalis was 38th in 29:35.28.

The race was won by the Hornets’ Hailey Reinhard who just edged teammate Madelyn McCartney. Their times were 19:15.37 and 19:15.70.

On the boys side, Christian Foehrkolb took 11th in 18:43.4. Austin Hedrick was 18th in 19:06 and Vinson Eggleston was 26th in 19:54.1. Bradley Erie was 32nd in 20:13.8 and Aiden Borkenhange was 34th in 20:24.5. Blake Gill was 36th in 20:42.6.

Central’s Duke Ebert won the boys race in 16:54.6.

The girls beat PME, PMW and Pleasant Valley 15-50. The boys also picked up three wins, beating the Bears 21-39, PME 27-32 and PMW 15-50.

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Whitehall boys soccer beat Stroudsburg 4-1.

The Zephs led 1-0 at the half before outscoring the Mounties 3-1 in the second half.

Stroudsburg’s goal was scored by Logan Weitzmann.

Whitehall got goals from Miguel Tabres, who notched two, along with Valentin Cezcazo.

Assists went to Juan Merino of the Mounties while the Zephs got helpers from Gio Mazzola (2) and Reed Felker.

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In girls tennis, Whitehall was a 4-1 winner over Palisades. No other information was given to the Press.