The Emmaus High School softball team, under fourth-year head coach Rich Giering, sets similar goals before every season. They are to qualify for the postseason tournaments.

Those goals were achieved in 2025 after a successful regular season as the Hornets finished atop the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and earned the number one seed in the EPC tournament, while also qualifying for the District 11 playoffs as the three seed.

“I was pleased with how our season went from an overall standpoint,” said Giering. “Our team goals every season are to qualify for the postseason tournaments and this season, with six new starters and the seniors who were leaders throughout the season, they were able to have a successful year.”

Emmaus won its quarterfinal game in the conference tournament, but lost to Nazareth in the semifinals. The Hornets fell in their opening district game to Northampton.

With an 18-5 overall record and 14-2 mark in the EPC, winning the Lehigh Division for the second straight season, there were several memorable moments from the year.

“My personal favorite moment from the season was a walk-off win against Stroudsburg when we scored two runs in the bottom seventh to win 3-2,” Giering said.

Emmaus will graduate five seniors from the team, including Sadie Haefeli, Avery DeFanti, Avery Shank, Sophia Tranguch and Amanda King.

“Sadie Haefeli, Avery Defanti, Aver Shank, Sophia Tranguch really made the season a great success even though it came to an end in districts,” said Giering. “Their laid-back demeanor and the smiles and fun that they provided for the younger players to hopefully carry on next season. Also, we had a senior who came out for the team this season. Amanda King who provided her expertise and hard work throughout the season.”

Haefeli led the lineup in many statistical categories, including batting average (.578), hits (37), runs scored (39) and RBI (35). Taylor Hauver hit .500 with 24 hits, 31 runs and 10 RBIs. Abigail Derr finished with a .464 average with 32 hits, 34 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Tranguch hit .438 with 32 hits, 25 RBIs and 14 runs. DeFanti had a .394 batting average with 26 hits, 27 runs and 22 RBIs.

Sophomore pitcher Mari Eiswerth made 20 appearances inside the circle and recorded a 2.38 ERA in 112 innings. She went 15-5 with 144 strikeouts, while hitting .357 with 20 hits and 20 RBIs.

There will be plenty of talent returning in 2026 for Emmaus, which is looking to win its first district title in 18 seasons.

“The returning players coming back and a few players from the JV program, along with some new incoming freshmen who could possibly help us next season,” Giering said. “So, I think we will be just as competitive next season.”