The Emmaus High School girls lacrosse team had a slow start and watched Pleasant Valley jump out to a large lead as the Hornets fell to the Bears 15-8 last Monday, May 19 in the District 11 3A semifinal. PV went on to win the district championship.

The Bears scored eight of the first nine goals to lead 8-1 after the opening quarter and went ahead 12-3 at halftime. Emmaus had a strong third quarter, outscoring the Bears 4-0, but could not get closer than six goals the rest of the way.

Abby DiComes had two goals and three assists against Pleasant Valley. Sarah Gross and Brooke Peterson tallied two goals and each of McKenna Guzick and Taylor Younker added one goal to round out the scoring. Rylie Poll contributed an assist.

The Hornets went 13-9 overall in 2025 and were runner-up in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and a semifinalist in districts.

“Our season went very well,” said Emmaus head coach Roxann Betz. “We had amazing leadership from our senior class all season long. We had many hard fault one goal games. The girls had a tremendous never-give-up attitude that helped lead us to some important wins throughout the season. This group was one of a kind.

“We knew going into every single game this season we had to play all out and with heart. Playoffs weren’t a given and our goal was to get to the EPC championship. We are very proud of the team’s efforts throughout the season.”

There were a number highlights to the season for Emmaus. Betz singled out one particular moment that she’ll always remember.

“Winning the Parkland game in overtime,” she said. “Playing player down for most of the second half. Our girls played so hard in that game continuing to come from behind and that goal scored in overtime was the first time we went ahead in that game. What a special moment.”

Emmaus will graduate seven seniors, including Zoe Benesville, Mattingly China, DiComes, Veronica McGraw, O’Neil, Peterson and McKenzie Schuler.

“The senior group this year showed so much commitment to the program, to the coaches and to their teammates,” said Betz. “They were strong leaders and were able to step up and unite the team when facing adversity, continuously encouraging their fellow teammates and setting a great example on and off the field.”

The 2026 edition of the Hornets will return a lot of firepower on both sides of the field.

“I’m excited for the junior class to step into the leadership role they witnessed this year,” Betz said. “Our returning players bring a wealth of experience in hard fought games and never give up mentality. We have a wonderful group of players returning next year.”

Gross led the attack with 40 goals and added nine assists. DiComes finished with 36 goals and 59 assists. Poll tallied 33 goals and 17 assists and won a team-best 126 draw controls. Younker recorded 30 goals and three assists. Peterson notched 31 goals and five assists. Guzick contributed 17 goals and 20 assists and Sofia Isaksson added 12 goals and nine assists. Madison Lenig led the team with 50 ground balls. Abbey Thomas had a team-high 17 forced turnovers.