September 24, 2026 ROCKFORD, MI On a perfect September evening for field hockey, EGR went to face the Rams on their turf in a crucial OK Conference match-up. Having beaten the Rockford team earlier in the season, EGR had a one game lead at the top of the table in the race for the conference title. Rockford was determined not to let the Pioneers win and as such the game started with frenetic energy. After absorbing the initial aggressiveness of the Rams, the Pioneers settled into their game. After a scoreless 1st quarter, the EGR girls began putting pressure on the Rams defense. Afte getting an offensive penalty corner, the play started with an insert from Tess Bombery (’28) to Senior co-Captain Peyton Astrauskas (’27). After a quick fly from the Rams, the ball ended up with Senior co-Captain Avery Albers (’27) who made the Rockford team pay by flipping a shot high into the top right corner for a 1-0 lead going into the halftime break. The 3rd quarter also saw a scoreless back and forth until another offensive penalty corner for the Pioneers. The ball came over to Toccoa Lepley (’29), whose first shot bounced back to her off a Rockford foot. Playing the advantage, Lepley worked to her right and fired a hard shot past the Rockford netminder. With a 2-0 lead heading into the final stanza, the Pioneers could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Poised, calm and composed, the girls from EGR withstood the Rams attempts to break through the staunch defense. Albers, Carly Conway (’27) and Maddy Frendt (’29) did outstanding in clearing away any threats and the few that got past them had goalkeeper Izzy Hunt (’29) standing tall between the pipes. Albers’ crisp transfers that repeatedly found Claire Haskell (’30) with room to operate in open field. As the final buzzer blew, it signaled another OK Conference title. Three years ago, the first OK Conference championship went to the Pioneers. Since then, it has been EGR’s name that has been the only one inscribed on the trophy. With four games remaining against some tough competition, the Pioneers are gearing up for the post-season starting the second week of October. This Saturday, EGR travels to Grosse Pointe north for a match-up with the Norsemen before returning to Mehney field on Saturday, October 3. Still celebrating the Homecoming vibe after Friday’s football game, keep the festivities going by heading down to see the girls take to the field to take on the Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks with Varsity tip-back at 10 AM and JV at 11:30 AM. Who will be the Teacher of the Match? Come find out, support the girls and cheer them to victory! GO EAST!!!