Getting out in front early is an important component of winning in any sport, and when it comes to field hockey at Emmaus, staying in the lead matters, too.
Gracie Huffer scored in the second minute and Marissa Gigliotti scored twice to lead Emmaus to a 4-0 win over Easton in the East Penn championship game at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium on Thursday night.
The league title is the 10th consecutive for the Green Hornets (20-1), who again will be the top seed in the upcoming District 11 Class 3A tournament. The Red Rovers (16-3-1) will be the second seed.
“We had as many opportunities as they did,” Easton coach Casey Eck said. “We couldn’t capitalize on them. That was the difference. You learn. You move on. … All we can do is keep trucking and moving on and hope we learn from the experience.”
Emmaus has learned quite a bit, too. The Hornets, at full strength after some injuries, have recovered from a recent loss to Downingtown West. They will attempt to win their 37th straight District 11 Class 3A title.
“I’m not keeping track [of wins]. I’m here to enjoy the moment with the girls,” Emmaus coach Sue Butz-Stavin said. “We’re actually improving as we’re going through the tournament. Everyone is back. We’re healthy. We did some chess-matching and moved some players around the field just to be a little more cohesive. We’re doing a lot better with the passing and finishing on goal.”
Huffer’s 23rd goal of the season set the tone early, but Gigliotti’s two goals – her 18th and 19th – continued it.
“Our coaches tell us every single game to score right away and set the pace,” Gigliotti said. “It helps our mindset. Scoring early really helps. … [Winning] feels awesome. Every single day I go to practice and I’m a part of this amazing team, especially when we win.”
Easton 0 0 0 0 — 0
Emmaus 1 1 1 1 1 — 4
Easton shots: 2. Penalty corners: 8. Saves: Burnes 9.Emmaus goals: Gracie Huffer, Marissa Gigliotti 2, Madi Lenig. Assists: Ella Horner, Sharlise Solano. Shots: 13. Penalty corners: 7. Saves: Emily Romano 2.
Tim Shoemaker is a freelance writer.
https://www.mcall.com/2025/10/16/epc-field-hockey-emmaus-blanks-easton-for-10th-straight-crown/
