Mill Creek Middle School Field Hockey Team Opens Inaugural Season With Consecutive Victories

Last week’s torrential rains and near freezing temperatures didn’t dampen the mood for Dexter’s girls' field hockey team, who captured three straight victories during their inaugural season opener.

On Oct. 4, Dexter defeated the Saline Hornets 5-0, followed by a 19-0 victory over Ann Arbor's Scarlett Middle School on Oct. 5. On Oct. 6 the team defeated Tappan Middle School with a 2-1 victory for Dexter.

"This game (against Tappan) was especially important to Dexter because of the reputation Tappan has as a strong field hockey program," coach Kasey Damm said. "The game was evenly matched with both teams trading offensive chances matched with equally strong defensive play. Dexter successfully fought off three successive corners and only allowed one goal in the second half."

The field hockey program is the only outdoor fall sport available for female middle school athletes, requiring team play. Damm said many of Dexter’s athletes had never played in a game before and the more “experienced” Dexter players, who started out playing community education field hockey, had never faced-off in an 11 versus 11 game.

Damm said as the fledgling team continues through its season, she expects to see improvement on the field.

"With each passing game, the middle school girls improve and have a greater understanding of a game played in skorts (skirts with shorts hidden underneath)," she said.