Methacton falls to reigning PIAA champions Emmaus, 4-1

EMMAUS >> Some teams would have been intimidated, or even a bit afraid, going up against an opponent that had won back-to-back state titles and 67 games in a row, not to mention an incredible 34th district championship.

But Methacton had lost to Emmaus by only a goal in the postseason last year and was ready to take the Hornets on again in Tuesday night’s opening round of the PIAA Class 3A field hockey tournament.

The Warriors played with confidence, despite the Hornets’ gaudy credentials, and went into halftime in a tie game. But Emmaus scored twice late in the third quarter and went on to a 4-1 win, ending Methacton’s season and taking the first step toward a possible 15th state championship.

Ava Zerfass had a goal and an assist for the District 11 champion Hornets (24-0), who will play Honesdale – a 4-3 winner over Spring-Ford – in a quarterfinal on Saturday at a time and place to be determined. Nicole Uebele scored for Methacton (19-5), the fifth-place team from District 1, off an assist from Elise DeWan.

“I think we had confidence,” said DeWan. “We knew they were good, but we saw them last year (in a 2-1 loss in the second round of states). We wanted to win the game and we gave it all we’ve got. You only have one shot when you get to the postseason.”

“It was part of wanting to get fifth place, so we could take them,” said Uebele. “Our team is closer. Our team is more connected, even if other teams have a lot of talent.”

The first quarter was evenly played and without a goal until the Hornets quickly passed the ball several times in the circle on a penalty corner play and Abby Burnett scored with an assist going to Zerfass. The Warriors tied it with just 22 seconds left until the half on a corner with DeWan passing to an open Uebele out in front for a quick shot and score.

“The first one (corner), they got out fast,” said DeWan. “I just found her and she had time to take it.”

“I was really proud of how we played,” said Methacton coach Amanda Parrezzi. “We stepped out with energy, intensity and focus. We didn’t step out scared. That contributed to our offensive and defensive presence on the field.”

Emmaus, the East Penn Conference champion for an eighth straight time, went back on top with 5:39 left in the third quarter on an unassisted goal by Autumn Kernechel and added to the lead with another unassisted score by Melea Weber a little more than three minutes later. A goal by Zerfass with 12:30 left in the match completed the scoring.

“With any team, not just Emmaus, when you get two goals you should have momentum and be able to get more,” said Parrezzi. “I don’t think our effort changed.”

“I think we just did what we’ve done all season,” said Uebele. “It’s always positive. There’s never a negative word.”

Emmaus had seven corners in the first half and only two in the second. The Warriors finished with four. Emily Drake had five saves in goal for Methacton and Natalie Drake made one. Emma Cari had four saves for the Hornets.

Emmaus had outscored its opponents 200-11 coming into the match and its closest game was a 3-2 overtime win at Gwynedd Mercy on October 4.

“I’m really proud of everyone,” said Uebele. “We bounced back and we bounced back together. The younger kids came in and did everything we asked.

“It was such a great season, such a great group of girls,” said DeWan.

The Warriors will graduate seven players – starters Avery Schwartz, Uebele and Elise DeWan along with goalkeepers Natalie Drake and Emily Drake and reserves Abby Reger and Olivia Coppa.

“I’m incredibly proud of the girls,” said Parrezzi. “All of them stepped up to the plate. They had a team mentality, a team-first mentality through the whole season.

“The seniors on the team were freshmen my first year as coach. They were like my babies, so this was a special season. And here they were, competing with the best team in the state.”

Emmaus 4, Methacton 1

Methacton 0 1 0 0 – 1
Emmaus 1 0 2 1 – 4
Scoring
First quarter
E-Abby Burnett (Ava Zerfass)
Second quarter
M-Nicole Uebele (Elise DeWan)
Third quarter
E-Autumn Kernechel
E-Melea Weber
Fourth quarter
E-Ava Zerfass
Saves: Methacton 6 (Emily Drake 5, Natalie Drake 1). Emmaus 4 (Emma Cari)
Corners: M-4, E-9