Playoff Game v. Saline Hornets - West Region, Semifinal Oct. 20—ROCKFORD, MI Saline had the highest Michigan Power Rankings during the regular season which earned them the top seed in the state and a top seeding in the West Region. Entering this contest, the Lady Pioneers knew it would be a tough match-up. They did not anticipate that it would be this tough. All season the Lady Pioneers have shown a never-give-up spirit that had them competitive against many of the top teams in the state- Dexter, DCDS, Ann Arbor-Huron. However, against the Hornets, that effort was evident, but not as effective as in the previous contests. On the cold night in Rockford for this neutral site semifinal match-up the experience of Saline, as last year’s state runner-up for Division 1 schools, allowed them to parry any thrusts EGR had into the offensive zone. Meanwhile, Saline put relentless pressure and shots on net from plays in the field as well as numerous penalty corners. In the waning seconds of the first quarter, Saline earned a penalty corner and as time expired the corner had to be played to completion. The Hornets found an opening against Senior goalkeeper Ellie Hilgendorf (’26) and finally broke the plane of the EGR goal line for a 1-0 lead. This could have been a deflating goal, but with renewed resolve the Lady Pioneers continued to search for answers to the Saline core five players. In their aggressive posture, it left room for counter attacks, which Saline capitalized on with two goals in the latter half of the quarter for a 3-0 lead at the half. After the break, in which the Lady Pioneers encouraged each other in the huddle with visions of coming back from the deficit, the Hornets dispelled any doubt of the result with two more goals in the first five minutes of the third quarter. By the time the quarter ended, EGR found themselves staring up at a 7-0 deficit. The goal for the fourth seemed to be get a corner and score a goal. EGR stormed back onto the field with renewed vigor to show that they do not go down without a fight. Within minutes, the Lady Pioneers, by the inspired play of Addi Storrs (’26) on the right side, took a pass from her supporting right midfielder, Toccoa Lepley (’29), and was able to pierce the Saline defense and earn a corner. Half of the equation of the goal for the quarter was achieved. However, the Lady Pioneers could not complete the goal-scoring portion and mount a comeback. With three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Saline finally tallied their eight goal to earn the mercy stoppage. A valiant effort cannot be discounted, and the success of the season cannot be minimized. The EGR Lady Pioneers finished with a 10-5-1 record. They scored over 60 goals. They allowed 12 goals in the regular season. They were OK Conference champs for the second year in a row, and since the OK Conference field hockey started two seasons ago, EGR is the only OK Conference champs for field hockey. We re certain to have players named to the ALL OK Conference team, and hopefully some nods to the All-State teams, but voting will take place in the next few weeks, so stay tuned. Thank you to all the parents, coaches, fans (both near and far) who helped support the team this year. And a big thank you to the EGR Lady Pioneers Field Hockey program that took us on this wonderful ride this year. Bigger and better things to come in the future as these girls have helped to lay the foundation for success in the years to come. GO EAST!!