Sept. 9-- EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI The weather turned warm again this week, and the Lady Pioneers turned up the heat on the field as they battled the Lady Rams in the second of their OK Conference clashes. Just two weeks ago the two teams took the field in Rockford and battled to a 2-2 tie. After some time to reflect and get settled into the season, the Lady Pioneers were well prepared and coached for this match up. It was evident from the first whistle that this game was going to be played at a different level of intensity. The bulk of the action in the first quarter took place in the offensive zone for EGR. With controlled possession of the ball and crisp passing, the girls created their own offensive waves on the shore of Reeds Lake. And by the end of the first quarter, EGR had already taken four offensive penalty corners, putting the Lady Rams' defense on their heels. It paid off, as Addi Storrs ('26) and Toccoa Lepley ('29) utilized the right side of the field to stay on their strong side and find holes in the opposition's structure. In the fourteenth minute of that first frame, Storrs finally broke through with a snap shot by Peyton Astrauskas ('27) that found the hook of Storrs' stick for a redirection that banged off the back board of the goal to take a 1-0 lead. The Lady Rams were given no space to break through the midfield and defense of the EGR team and presented few challenges in the EGR defensive zone. Meanwhile, Mayi Prado ('26) widened the field as she helped drag the play to the left side and further confuse the team from Rockford. As play became a bit chippy, the second half was shaping up to be a test of mettle. After two consecutive cards, EGR played with two players in the sin bin for two minutes and another three minutes with a central midfielder cooling her heels in the chair. The Pioneers weathered the storm and returned to full strength a renewed vigor to bring this game home. Coming out of the break, EGR showed why they were the better team on this night. The intensity remained high and again found the Lady Pioneers spending most of the time in their offensive zone. More corners were starting to wear on the defending team, and Lillie Adamy ('26) worked a nice 2 on 1 with Lepley and was able to fire a shot into the lower left corner after the goalie had to slide across to protect the near side. It gave EGR a 2-0 lead, but the way the game had been played through the three quarters, it felt as if it was more. However, this is the Rockford-EGR rivalry in field hockey, and no one can count the other team out, regardless of the scoreboard. And Rockford proved it as they finally started to see their long hits and speed connect for some offensive thrusts. It ultimately resulted in a penalty corner that was nicely executed with a drive from Maddie Rock ('26) finding the near side past the EGR defense. The intensity for the remainder of the game reached a crescendo when Adamy showed some superior stick skills and stick-to-it-iveness as she broke broke down the Rockford pressure and got EGR back into the offensive zone, chewing up a considerable amount of time. Ultimately, as the sun set so did Rockford's chances as Astrauskas and Avery Albers ('27) took turns frustrating Rockford with stealthy and steady ball handling in the corners to run out nearly the entirety of the last 2:30 of remaining game time and a solid 2-1 victory for the Lady Pioneers. Superb efforts on defense played heavily into the control EGR had throughout the match. Carly Conway ('27) played a stellar right side defense in preventing long hits through or breakaways from the speedy Rockford forward wingers with excellent positioning. Adamy showed her ability to help control the middle and distribute as well as finish by positioning herself in open areas for her teammates. Top to bottom contributions came from every corner as EGR showed that they are well on their way to reclaiming the mantel of Best of the West. Ms. Breana Mitchell, the orchestra teacher, was honored at halftime as the Teacher of the Match. She cheered on the girls with pom-poms aloft and encouraging each and every one for their efforts. The Lady Pioneers are right back to it with another match this Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7 PM at Spring Lake. This will be the first time this season that EGR and the Lakers clack sticks, and as always, Spring Lake will bring their best against the team. This is another OK Conference tilt, so it will be a good indication of where the Lady Pioneers will find themselves in the conference race. EGR will host Detroit Country Day School on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11 AM as they return home for the re-match of last year's State quarterfinals match-up. Get ready for some great hockey in Gaslight Village!