The Emmaus High School softball team will be in a rebuild and reload mode heading into the 2024 regular season. The Hornets had eight starters from last year graduate.

Head coach Richard Giering, in his third season at the helm, will be looking at a completely different team on the diamond, but also one that will still be competing for both the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 6A championships. Last year, the Hornets finished 15-8 overall and 12-4 in the conference.

“I expect us to be right there in the mix and the playoff race in the EPC,” said Giering. “This group of girls has gotten along really well and it’s their time to shine. Our defense has to be solid this season because we’re going to hit the ball. Taylor (Gitski) and Millie (Thompson) are going to be our captains this season and Brianna (Amey) and Sadie (Haefeli) will also lead the team.”

Senior shortstop Brianna Amey returns to the starting line up and is joined by several players that started or saw significant playing time last season in sophomore infielder Abigail Derr, senior third baseman Taylor Gitski, junior second baseman Sadie Haefeli, senior pitcher Autumn Held, senior catcher Cora-Li Moyer and senior outfielder Molly Yard.

Other players that are expected to contribute this season include junior infielder Avery DeFanti, junior pitcher Avery Shank, senior pitcher Emma Kozy, senior outfielder Kaelynn Burrell, senior outfielder Millie Thompson, junior outfielder Sophia Tranguch, senior outfielder Taylor Bruckler and sophomore outfielder Taylor Hauver.

Emmaus began its 2024 campaign at home in nonconference play this past Saturday against Abington Heights. The Hornets opened conference action on the road at Northampton this past Tuesday.