Field Hockey: Young Eagles off to a flying start
The Skyline field hockey team is playing in Division 2 this with a goal of getting back to Division. So far, the Eagles appear on course to do just that.
“We are playing well and I’m happy with where we are at right now,” said Skyline Coach Nicole Barrett. “We have some very good leadership and a lot of young players but many with club experience. Right now we are trying to bring that all together. But I really like our energy and some motivation. It’s already starting to jell and that’s nice to see.”
The Eagles’ motivation this year includes playing well in the very tough SEC – with the likes of Pioneer, Huron and Dexter – and also winning the Division 2 title so they can move back up the D-1.
A third division was added in field hockey this year because of how fast the sport is growing in Michigan. The top eight teams from last year formed Division 1 – Skyline ended up ninth.
“That’s fine with us,” Barrett said. “We have a very young team and this will give us a chance to gain experience and improve. We will still play some of those strong D-1 teams like Huron, Pioneer and Saline so that will help us get better.”
The Eagles defeated visiting St. Catherine’s 3-1 on Wednesday and controlled most of the game. “They are a very competitive team and were one of the top teams in Division 2 last year,” Barrett said. “I was happy with the outcome and it also gave us a chance to play a lot of the younger kids.”
Skyline got goals from Lauren Courtright and Jessica Courtright. Senior Annika Jaglan, the Eagles’ returning goalie, played a strong game in the net for Skyline.
Skyline’s JV team also is off to a strong start.
“Our JV team has a lot of players new to the sport and some who are experienced and have played club,” Barrett said. “It’s been fun to watch the experienced players help teach the new players. It’s really great to see that kind of teamwork.”
