Some were surprised by the Palmyra field hockey team’s run to the PIAA Class AA championship game. But it was a surprise not shared by the Cougars themselves.

 It also wasn’t a surprise that Lauren Wadas led them there.

 On Saturday at Whitehall-Coplay school district’s Zephyr Sports Complex, Palmyra endured a 1-0 overtime setback at the hands of Donegal, in the state final. But Wadas and the Cougars could take great consolation from the facts that they played their hearts out against the mighty Indians and that they represented themselves well along the way.

 On Tuesday at Emmaus High School High School, during the PIAA Class AA semifinal contest, Wadas had netted a goal and two assists in Palmyra’s 3-1 triumph over Wyoming Valley West. The outburst gave the junior midfielder 26 goals and 11 assists for the season.

 But scoring is just one of the aspects of Wadas’ game. One of the top 11th-grade field hockey players in the country, Wadas is a tireless worker who commands respect in the midfield and leads by example.

  Over her three-year career, Wadas has tallied more than 50 goals for Palmyra.

 During the winter months, Wadas also stars on the hardwoods for the Cougars.

 – Jeff Falk