Field Hockey: Pioneers make statement with 5-0 win over Dexter

On paper, this game should have been close. Vegas would have put the line at even considering both Dexter and Pioneer came into Wednesday’s field hockey matchup with almost identical seasons.

The Dreadnaughts had lost just once – to defending state champion Skyline – and had outscored their other opponents 34-1. The Pioneers had lost just once – to defending state champion Skyline in the season opener – and had since outscored their opponents 26-2.

This is why games are played on turf – not paper. The Pioneers, who reached last year’s state finals, made a statement with a convincing 5-0 win over the visiting and talented Dreadnaughts. They improved to 5-1 on the season while Dexter falls 6-2.

Pioneer scored two goals in the first period and one each in the following three periods against the Dreadnaughts.

Sienna Galban had a huge game for the home team. The senior forward took four shots and scored on three of them to earn the hat trick. Senior Natalie Millman, who has already committed to play at Michigan next year, had two goals and an assist for the Pioneers.

Junior Teddy Tolbert had two assists in the win. Sophomore Lily Soldan and sophomore Grace Grabowski each picked up an assist.

Pioneer has a rematch on Wednesday at Skyline against the undefeated Eagles. Dexter will play at East Grand Rapids on Monday after competing in a tournament this weekend in Pennsylvania. They return to Al Ritt Stadium on Wednesday to play Cranbrook.