East Grand Rapids High School

EGR Varsity Field Hockey v Forest Hills United- 09.19.24 Tonight’s game against cross-town rival Forest Hills United was another example of the dynamic form this team is rounding into as they inch closer to the playoffs. The firepower is coming from so many different sources that it is causing other teams match-up problems defensively leading to a decisive 4-0 win by the Lady Pioneers. This is evident by the fact that four different members of the team provided the tallies, one in each of the four quarters of the match. Camilla Volovlek (’28) started the scoring with 3:09 left in the first frame. She slotted home a quick push between the goalie’s pads as the ball was slid across the middle by Vivian Cherveny (‘26). This was the freshman’s second goal in as many games and set the tone after a spirited first 12 minutes from the opponents. Senior co-captain, Kellan Hudson (’25), tallied the second goal just before halftime off of a pass from Avery Albers (’27). Forcing the goalkeeper to move to Hudson’s left opened the pads and the EGR D-I Winthrop University verbal lacrosse commit was able to slide her shot through the opening. It was Hudson’s fifth goal of the season. Coming out of the break, Forest Hills United put some sustained pressure in the home team’s defensive zone, but the poise exhibited by the staunch defense of goalie Ellie Hilgendorf (’26), senior Addie Behler (’25), center defender Isla Westra (’26) and senior co-captain Addie Gessner (’25) thwarted the efforts of FHU and led to transition opportunities for EGR’s offense. With crisp passing that kept the opposing midfielders and defense chasing the ball, the Lady Pioneer offense was able to finally break through against a tiring FHU side. A rebound was pounded against the backboards by Albers on the back end of a penalty corner putting the hosts up 3-0 with 1:22 left in the 3rd quarter. It was the seventh time Albers has seen her shot go in this season. Never counting out a determined side, EGR started the 4th with an even more energized passing attack that shifted the ball from side to side and front to back opening up space in which to operate. With nine minutes left in the final quarter a solid cross from forward Addie Storrs (’26) that got by three defenders found Carly Conway (’27) with an open goal on the back side of the play. She banged home the goal with a thud against the backboards and set off a celebration as it was her first ever Varsity tally. Maintaining a high level of intensity wore the FHU team down to the point where their only option was to defend and keep the Lady Pioneers from scoring. With eleven penalty corners in the 4th quarter alone, the home side put a lot of stress on the fitness of the visitors. It is a testament to the complete team effort and their strength as a unit that the scoring came from a freshman, two sophomores and a senior, while the assists came from two juniors and a sophomore. The contributions came from every corner, every angle and every stick. The support of Teacher of the Match, Matt Harold and his youngest daughter Emma, added extra excitement to the sidelines. Come cheer on the EGR Varsity Field Hockey as they go against east siders, Mercy HS, on Saturday at 1 PM at Mehney Field. Then, run it back on Wednesday, September 25 at 7 PM in another home tilt, this time against Rockford HS, the team currently in second place in the OK Conference, just one game behind EGR. With a win, the Lady Pioneers could control their own destiny in the OK Conference title chase with two games remaining.