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For the third time in four years, the field hockey team wins the state championship
WRITTEN BY WYATT NOVARA
This year’s senior class of 2023 ended their four year run on the field hockey team in a magical fashion; after winning back-to-back state championships in 2019 and 2020, the Dexter field hockey team is now able to hoist up another trophy.
After defeating rival Chelsea 2-1 in the state semifinal game, the Dreadnaughts faced off against University Liggett in the Division 2 state title game. The 2-0 victory gave Dexter its third title in four years.
“Winning the state championship three times in the past four years was amazing,” said senior captain Evelyn Clemens, the only Dreadnaught to play in all three title games. “I’m so proud of this group and what we’ve accomplished.”
The Dreads were in the driver’s seat for most of the game, playing aggressively by maintaining a strong defense and running a fast-paced offense to provide as many opportunities as possible. After a scoreless first period, junior Emily-Kate Covert passed the ball to find fellow junior Maddie Rokke, who quickly made the score 1-0 for Dexter early in the second period.
LEADING THE BREAK: Freshman Aiden Weinmann gets ready to make a pass during
the Division 2 State Championship game against University Liggett. Dexter won 2-0
to win its third title in four years. Photo courtesy of Ryan Maki
Later in the second period, sophomore Olivia Croftchik deflected a shot into the net to make the score 2-0. That would be all that the Dreads would need and more, as the stifling defense and junior goalie Analisa Leadbetter pitched a shutout.
When the clock hit zero, cries of joy arose among the Dexter supporters. The players rushed to the net and swarmed around each other as they screamed for the whole world to hear.
“The moment the buzzer rang was a rush of emotions,” senior Sophie Alabre said. “The noise, the adrenaline, and the pure joy made it feel like I was underwater.”
She said that the third championship in four years shows the depth of the team and the culture that the program has developed over the years. While the Dreads have lost several key players to graduation over the past few years, they were still able to push through adversity, and find a way to win.
It is an example of “reload over rebuild” for Dexter field hockey.
To be the last team standing was an “unforgettable experience”, Alabre said, “and I’m proud to have been a member of Team 13.”
