Field Hockey: Skyline tops Pioneer in rematch of last year’s state finals (WLAA photo gallery)
High school field hockey in these parts seems to be a sport where teams dominate for a period of time. Certainly, Pioneer had their time early and often and even recently as they remain the most successful program in state history. Huron had its time as well, winning multiple state titles along the way.
Now it appears Skyline is on the clock. The Eagles won the school’s first ever field hockey state championship last year and have the talent, desire and commitment to make a little run here over the next few years. It might just be their time.
They certainly are one of the favorites to return to the championship game in 2022 and made an early season statement Tuesday night with a 4-2 win over host Pioneer, their rival and team they beat in the finals in 2021.
“We have had confidence in Skyline field hockey for a long time and it’s great to see all that hard work finally paying off,” said Skyline Coach Nicky Barrett. “One of the positives from the game was how selfless we played. Everyone stepped up and we set each other up for success and showed confidence in each other.”
The Eagles are talented and deep. They lost five seniors off last year’s championship team but have a huge junior class and players ready to step in and contribute.
“Both of these teams have very talented players and both teams have big expectations this year,” Barrett said. “And all these players know each other and even play with each other in club so there is a lot of familiarity. They all know what they need to do and I thought we played much better after the first quarter but we have things to work on for sure.”
Longtime Pioneer Coach Jane Nixon said they are really excited about the new season.
“We have a special group of athletes dedicated to hard work and teamwork,” she said following the opener. “Skyline’s a great team and we have a competitive respect for their program. Although you always want to win, especially your season opener, this game is not a setback, but some extra motivation for bringing out our perseverance and best each day.”
It was a huge opening-season matchup and both teams seemed up for the task. While there was some rust and clearly areas that need some improvement, both teams played strong games. And, of course, both teams played hard – like all Pioneer-Skyline games.
Pioneer took a 1-0 lead at 5:44 of the first quarter on a goal by senior Lizzie Kinsey with an assist from freshman Anne McGowan.
With 7:41 left in the second quarter, Skyline senior Abby Potoff tied the game at 1-1. Junior Cami Wiseman got the assist on the goal.
The game was tied 1-1 at halftime.
With just over 8 minutes left in the third quarter, Sadie Schultz scored with an assist from Coco Courtright to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead. The two juniors hooked up again with 12:44 left in the game to make it 3-1 giving Schultz her second of the night.
The Pioneers answered to make it a one-goal game when senior Kate Soldan with 6:40 left on the clock. Senior Natalie Millman picked up the assist for the home team.
While it looked like this might go right down the wire, the Eagles quickly answered with a goal at the other end just 34 seconds later from senior Morgan Nalepa. Wiseman picked up her second assist of the game.
Skyline will host Dearborn at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Pioneer will play at Chelsea on Monday.
