EGR Field Hockey v. Spring Lake Spring Lake, MI-- Aug. 19, 026 EGR claimed a victory over conference foe Spring Lake on a picture-perfect August night with interim coach Sanders at the helm. Even with their enthusiastic fan base, it took nearly a quarter for the Lady Pioneers to shake off the rust and eventually settle into the game. After two surprising fast breaks by the Lakers, the Pioneers' sophomore goalie, Izzy Hunt ('29), stood strong and executed quick saves. By the 8th minute of the first period, EGR found their rhythm. With two failed attempts on goal from a corner penalty, it was only fitting that the Pioneers' leading scorer from last season, senior captain Peyton Astrauskus ('27) found paydirt in the back of the net. EGR led 1-0 at the end of the first. The second period brought new challenges when the Lady Pioneers found themselves filling the sin bin. Never daunted, the team held strong and kept the Lakers locked down at zero. On multiple occasions, East fought valiantly with two players sidelined. Senior Carly Conway’s ('27) tenacious defense brought the ball back again and again to Pioneer control. With 9:27 left on the clock in the third period, junior Camilla Volovlek ('28) fought through ferocious traffic and found junior Tess Bombery’s ('28) stick. Bombery popped it in much to the Lakers' surprise. But Spring Lake had plenty of fight left because less than 45 seconds later, they answered with their first goal. Tensions were still high as the third period dwindled to a close, but sophomore Katie Hannah ('29) found Camilla Volovlek low on the post, where she pushed it in for her first goal of this season's campaign. Senior captain Avery Albers’ ('27) stick skills and leadership on the field thwarted breakaways from the pesky Lakers and absolutely contributed to the win. EGR ground out the fourth quarter and escaped with a hard-fought conference victory! Next up is a match with perennial contender Chelsea on Friday, Aug. 21 at Mehney Field in EGR. It will be a tri team match-up with the varsities from Rockford taking on Chelsea at 10 AM. EGR and Chelsea JVs will face each other in the 11 :30 AM match. The Lady Pioneers will take the field against the Chelsea Varsity at 1:00 PM, and the day of matches will conclude with the Chelsea and Rockford JV tilt at 2:30 PM. The 3rd Annual EGR Field Hockey Food Truck Face-Off will also be happening with a people's choice competition between Smokin' Unicorn BBQ and Hessler's BBQ. The grills Any purchase of food from the trucks will grant the buyer a free ticket to the field hockey competitions. A trophy will be awarded at the start of the last match between Rockford and Chelsea JVs. Friday will also be a Welcome Back to School Teacher Appreciation Day. All EGR teachers who come down are granted free admission to the matches. Please come down and support the team and their educators.