Sept. 25-- DEXTER, MI The EGR Lady Pioneers made the trip across the state to clash with the Dexter Dreadnoughts on Thursday night. Last year's State Championship runner-ups have a formidable assembly of players on this year's team as well with multiple D-I college field hockey commits. However, the girls from EGR were neither in awe or fear of the opposition and it showed in their play. In previous years, the results have not been encouraging, including an 8-0 drubbing in the State quarterfinals two years ago and a 7-0 whitewash last year. However, new year, new team, different expectations. From the outset the Dreadnoughts knew they would be in for the entire 60 minutes if they hoped to come out the winners. Peyton Astrauskas ('27) had the noble task of trying to defend the Dexter motor, "Mitch" Mitchell. Her effort paid off as the Dexter defense seemed a bit confused as to whom they should play through as Mitch was closely marked by Astrauskas and thereby limiting her effectiveness. Meanwhile, Toccoa Lepley ('29) was very active from her right midfield spot and helped make multiple runs into the EGR offensive zone. The dreadnoughts put one home in the latter stages of the first quarter and after that could not get past the staunch EGR defense led by co-Captain Isla Westra in the center defense position and co-Captain Ellie Hilgendorf ('26) between the pipes as the team's goalkeeper. Hilgendorf came up big with repeated saves of close range shots and remaining very active as Dexter tried to move her off her angle. Some saves off the line by Carly Conway ('27) and Astrauskas kept the score at a slim one goal lead. On the offensive end, the Lady Pioneers had an opportunity to level the score just before the half as one of Lepley's runs led her into the circle. Her pass slid by the defense and left the goalie out of position. The back tracking defender created just enough distraction that it led to Camilla Volovlek ('28) not being able to pound the backboards with her shot. Late into the third quarter the home team found a way past Hilgendorf and a 2-0 lead. It remained there for well into the fourth frame when the Dreadnoughts, in the final stages of the match scored on a tremendous shot from the top of the circle that caught Hilgendorf sliding across and the shot going across the grain to slot in the far left corner of the goal. All told, even with a consistent three person substitution rotation every six or seven minutes, allowed the Dexter team to remain fresh. However, their best players never left the field, a nod to the valiant showing from the Lady Pioneers and the consistent pressure they were able to exert on the Dreadnoughts typically fluid game. It was a good barometer for the girls from EGR to see what they need to do in the remaining contests to prepare themselves for facing the best in the state in the playoffs. The prospects look good for the Lady Pioneers to make their mark on the tournament this year. Join us on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11 AM for the final match on Mehney Field this year as it goes under reconstruction for the next few months. The girls will take on the Grand Blanc Bobcats in a morning clash. If you cannot catch that match, please come give the eleven Senior girls a proper send off on Monday, Sept. 29 at 7 PM in their final home match taking place on the turf in Memorial Stadium at the high school. This game against Hudsonville will determine this year's OK Conference champion. EGR will claim that title with either a win or a tie. This will culminate their march to back to back titles and reclaim their title as "Best of the West". We look forward to seeing you there and GO EAST!