The defending champions have served notice than any state field hockey title not only goes through Dexter but will certainly be a bumpy ride for anyone trying to knock off the Dreadnaughts.
Dexter is off to a quick 4-0 start, scoring mercy wins in three of their first four games. But it’s the closest game they’ve played so far that clearly shows how far ahead they are from the rest of the pack.
A 3-0 win over an always strong and well-coached Saline team in game two was impressive for a several reasons. Dexter Coach Keely Tamer knew her team was going to score goals – the Dreads return their top five leading scorers off last year’s state title team. But the defense needed to be rebuilt.
“We posted 11 shutouts in 2019 but graduated three of our four starters from the backfield,” Tamer said before the season.
So far, so great with the defense. Dexter has yet to allow a goal including that impressive shutout of the Hornets on Sept. 11. Keeping them off the scoreboard is a pretty good indicator that the Dreads might be ahead of schedule on the defensive end.
There is no doubt they are ahead of schedule offensively.
Dexter opened the season with an 8-0 win over Forest Hills. Kylee Niswonger and Abby Tamer each scored twice in the win while Shannon Schoch, Gracie Burns, Eden Schnurstein and Mckenna Wondrash had solo goals.
Against host Saline, Annalisa Shehab scored at 2:44 of the first period to give the Dreadnaughts a 1-0 lead. Tamer scored to make it 2-0 and Niswonger off a pass from Tamer gave Dexter a 3-0 lead. Dexter split the goaltending duties with Esther Hashikawa working the first half and Hannah Baldwin playing the second half.
Dexter defeated Pinckney 8-0 on Monday. Tamer, Niswonger and Marissa Skinner each had two goals in the victory. Burns and Schoch each had goals for Dexter. Niswonger also had a pair of assists.
The Dreadnaughts improved to 4-0 with an 8-0 win over Marian on Wednesday. Tamer scored four goals and Burns had three goals in the victory. Skinner also scored for Dexter.
The Dreadnaughts played on Thursday against host Chelsea (3-1-0).
