East Grand Rapids Pioneers

Wake up in the morning and shake my head

6:30 in the parking lot - legs feeling like lead

Travel to Dearborn and field some hockey balls

Thats why at EGR FH we stand tall

That was the story on Saturday September 25, 2010.  EGR FH (5-3-0) started the first game by dominating the game and had a number fo scoring opportunities but it felt like Edsel Ford (3-3-1) had "cast a spell on the net."  We did everything, pushed up on defense, dominated by controlling the mid field and entered Edsel Ford 'sacred circle" at will, but the ball just would not go in.  Hit the post a couple of times.  In the second half, a well executed play by Edsel Ford resulted in the ball entering our goal.  That was the story of the first game. 

The second game started like the first game with Edsel Ford scoring twice in the first ten minutes as we struggled with fatigue and away game sloppyness.  Our team took a time out and decided to "silence" a spectator who was crying for Edsel Ford (4-3-1) to crush EGR (5-4-0).  Well, we dont just lay down, do we?  EGR returned on the field and Libby Mason scored an unassisted penalty corner goal that was a perfectly executed insertion by Krusty (Kristy Allen), perfect stop and roll by Katerboom (Kate Brondyk) and a back board resounding smash by Libby.  This goal brought on a new spirt to EGR and the team scored twice more with a goal by Alex Kuske assisted by Sarah Zezima and a game winning goal by Krusty off a superb pass by Kate.  The team rallied around this comeback with some great goal tending by Lena Henderson, and strong defense by Anna Petko, Sami Condi, Alexa Smeby, Libby Best.  Madison Scheper, Megan McConnel, Megan Elderkin, Hanna Schnider kept the wings moving and Erica Rankin kept frustrating the EF star forward with some deft moves and strong tackling.  Chandler Filion kept the team warm on the sidelines with her warm cheers.  Over all - team work coupled with a strong will to win - that defined the day.

EGR FH (5-3-0) split a double header against Division III arch rival, Novi HS (3-4-1) played at .  In two well contested games, EGR FH battled hard to keep on top of Division III with 10 points followed by Novi with 7 points.

In the first game, EGR dominated the first half and were up on an opportunistic goal by Hanna Schneider. In the second half, EGR scored again with a goal from Alex Kuske.  Shortly later, Novi cut the lead by scoring off a restart in the 25 yds area.  Captain Libby Mason protested the 7 yds rule but the goal was awarded.  Within a couple of minutes, Novi scored again and equalized. With 5 minutes to go, Novi scored the winning goal.  Lena Henderson was strong in goal with 14 saves and three of them huge diving saves. A tough loss for EGR after being in the lead for most of the game.  The result, a learning moment for EGR, "dont fall back in defense - offense is the best defense".

In game 2, EGR scored twice in the first half by goals by Hanna Schneider and Kristy Allen through well executed offensive drives.  Kristy Allen, Libby Mason and Kate Brondyk executed with perfection in penalty corners with 3 direct hits on goal that needed just a deflection to convert.  Before the half Novi scored as the defense stepped back on its heels.

Second half was the best half for EGR.  While Novi put intense pressure, Anna Petko, Madison Scheper, Alexa Smeby and Sami Condi sofetened the Novi attack and Libby Best stood tall in left defense.  Lena Henderson was stron in goal with 3 saves. Sarah Zezima and Megan McConnel kept the attack moving.  Novi pressed and EGR 'punished' them with a counter attack which was a perfectly executed free hit by Libby Mason which was picked up on the run by Erica Rankin to score the 'cushion' goal for EGR.  A well played game, doiminated in offense, mid field, defense and in goial. 

After 3 weeks of games, EGR Field Hockey Varsity has a record of 4 Wins - 2 Losses - 0 Ties.

Division III Standings

EGR FH traveled to Grosse Pointe North to play a double header on 9/11.  EGR came up with victories in both games.

In game 1, EGR leads by 2 goals in 1st half but surrenders a second ha;lf goal to a well executed Penalty Corner by GPN.  EGR secures a well deserved win.

Hanna Schneider scores the first goal and Alex Kuske follows with the second goal.  Superb play by Erika Rankin (7 assists) and suppport in mid field by Libby Mason (1 shot on goal) and Kate brondyk (2 shots on goal).  Sarah Zezima had a stellar game with 4 shots on goal, 2 assists and one penalty corner shot.  Erika was assigned to mark GPN star forward and  she kept the asignment diligently.  Mid field was supported well on the wings by Megan McConnel (1 shot on goal, 1 penalty cornet shot).  Lena Henderson in goal had 4 saves.  In defense, Ana Petko had a solid game with 2 defensive saves and a number of opponent offensive plays terminated by strong defense.  Sami Condi, Alexa Smeby and Madison Scheper kept the opponents out of our "sacred circle".  Strong support by Libby Best, Kate Olgren, Lindsay Broekhuis and Megan Elderkin helped secure the win.

In game 2 of the double header, EGR once again comes away with a 2-1 victory.  EGR battles exhaustion but keeps the Pioneer Banner flying high.

Alex Kuske repeats her first game strike and scores the first goal. Kate Brondyk follows with the second goal that sounds the back board that resounds in the stadium.  Another superb game by Erika Rankin and suppport in mid field by Libby Mason and Sarah Zezima makes this game an exciting one to watch.  Mid fielders Megan McConnel and Madison Scheper work tirelessly on the wings.  Lena Henderson is strong in goal.  In defense, Ana Petko, Sami Condi and Alexa Smeby have a strong game.  Tireless effort by Libby Best, Kate Olgren, Lindsay Broekhuis and Megan Elderkin keeps the opponents out of striking range to secure a win built on team effort.