The Dexter field hockey team has made making the Final Four a regular part of its schedule – showing incredible consistency and proving that the program is among the best in the state.
Let’s review.
The Dreadnaughts (12-4-1 in 2018) reached the final four in the state playoffs last year, falling to Saline in the semifinals. They reached the championship game the previous two seasons, falling to Huron in 2017 and Pioneer in 2016. They lost to Pioneer in a semifinal game in 2015 and were D-2 state champions in 2014.
Let’s look ahead.
“This team has played together for three years and the players know their strengths and maximize them,” says Coach Trish Machemer. “They have the goal of winning the state championship and they realize this requires every player giving their best each day.”
Machemer says Dexter’s “speed of execution” sets them apart from other teams.
“Our keys to success include playing as team, managing expectations, finishing in the offensive circle and communication,” she says. “We need to improve on our overall team fitness. With 16 varsity players, each player knows they need to perform the same in the last 10 as the first 10.”
Top returning players for Dexter (with Coach Machemer comments):
Senior Claire Vaughn (midfielder). She epitomizes hard work and team play. Claire can run forever and maintains her speed and intensity. She is the consummate team player.
Senior Maggie Jones (goalie). She has starter nearly every game in her four years as a varsity keeper. She is a difference maker and when the pressure is the greatest, she plays her best.
Junior Abby Tamer (midfielder). She also plays back or attack. Abby’s spatial awareness, combined with her ability to strike a ball as well as pace a pass, make her dangerous with and without the ball. Top scorer last year, member of US U-17 National Team.
Junior Kylee Niswonger (midfielder). She played predominantly midfield last year, but is also an explosive forward with exceptional hand speed and field vision. After a strong 2018 year and off season, Ky is poised to be a key contributor on attack. Her work ethic is outstanding and has resulted in an invitation to the US National Rise Team tryout.
