The Saline High School field hockey team finished in first place in Division 3 in 2009 and, as a result, will compete in Division 2 this season.

Though the Hornets may be ready for Division 2 play, their 2-0 loss to Grosse Pointe South at home on Wednesday showed Saline is still a ways from being at the Division 1 level.

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"I'm not dissatisfied with the results, but this game definitely manifested our weaknesses," said Saline coach Don Hes.

Saline rarely possessed the ball, as Grosse Pointe South (1-0) had its way with the Hornet midfield from start to finish. Despite having the ball in Saline's end for the majority of the first half, however, Grosse Pointe scored just one goal when Elizabeth DiMauro finished after a scrum in front of the net.

The trend continued in the second with Saline (0-1) struggling to even put get the ball across the half way line, but with Grosse Point South not being able to finish. Jullie Wittwer scored the final goal of the game halfway through the second.

"It was our first game, so we just tried to get out there, do what we can and get ready for the rest of the season," said Grosse Pointe coach Millie Tompkins. "I thought (Saline) played really well, played hard and never gave up."

Jessie Opalski finished with six saves in net for the Hornets.

Hes was optimistic about the upcoming season despite the result.

"We were playing a Division 1 team and we're still the new kids on the block here," Hess said. "We're still the new kids on the block here so we have to learn how to deal with the pressure and how to pass better."

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by e-mail at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.