As we flip the calendar to October, the high school field hockey season begins its final stretch before the start of the postseason, and the defending Division 2 state champions appear on course for another run at a title.
Coach Keely Tamer’s club is 8-2-2 overall on the season and leads the SEC with 26 points. Chelsea is just a point behind with 25 points. Defending Division 1 state champion Pioneer is undefeated at 6-0-1 but have just 19 points because of fewer games played.
In the battle of state champs, Pioneer defeated Dexter 5-2 on Sept. 4. The two teams meet again on Oct. 9 at Al Ritt Stadium (7 p.m.) as a great tuneup for the postseason for both clubs.
The Dreadnaughts have won two straight since a scoreless tie with Saline. Dexter defeated Chelsea 2-0 in one of the team’s signature wins this season and blanked Huron 3-0 last week.
In field hockey, strong defense helps win championships and Dexter is getting stronger on the defensive end as the season moves along. Since the loss to Pioneer, Dexter has allowed only three goals in eight games. And that certainly has Coach Tamer smiling.
“We continue to improve and are pleased with our growth,” says Tamer. “We still need to find ways to finish in the circle and continue to draw corner opportunities. Our midfield play needs to become more consistent team play, we break down when we play as individuals, possess the ball too long and don’t lead ahead after we pass.”
The Dreadnaughts are always looking for ways to improve – one of the reasons why they win state championships.
“We need to continue to improve our defensive organization, communication and passing,” Tamer says. “We have elements of good play throughout and need to have those elements become more consistent and characteristic of our play.”
Claire Dubuque and Aiden Weinmann are Dexter’s leading scorers. Dubuque, a junior, has a team-high 12 goals and 27 points. Weinmann, also a junior, has 10 goals and 24 points. Lillian Mitchell has six goals and three assists for 16 points. Olivia Croftchik and Allie St. Amour each have 12 points for the Dreadnaughts.
Dexter will most likely host a first-round playoff game on Oct. 17. The quarterfinals are Oct. 22 at either Detroit Country Day or Skyline. The semifinals will be hosted by Chelsea (10/24) and Finals will be at East Grand Rapids (10/26).
