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Posted on Sat, Oct 31, 2009 : 7:38 p.m.

Pi-Hi V: Pioneers win fifth straight field hockey title

By Pete Cunningham

BIRMINGHAM -- With cross-town rivals Pioneer and Huron squaring off in the Michigan High School Field Hockey Association state finals at Detroit Country Day on Saturday, the question wasn't whether or not the trophy would come back to Ann Arbor. The question was whether or not its address would change.

Early on it looked like Huron would be able to dethrone the Pioneers, as the River Rats outshot the four-time defending state champs 11-1 in the first half. But Pioneer goalkeeper Emma Hamstra stood on her head in net, turning every single shot away.

"I have never seen something like that," said Hamstra of Huron's first half rush, "but my team has been preparing me every day in practice for a game like that, and I'm thankful for that."

Emy Guttman provided the offense in the second half, netting two goals, as Pioneer won its fifth consecutive state championship, 2-0. (Rest of the story | Boxscore)

Comments

Dr. I. Emsayin

Sun, Nov 1, 2009 : 8:29 a.m.

What a great city we live in to have two such top teams! The coaching staff is second to none. Amazing that coach Nixon teaches at Pioneer all day and then spends her after school and weekend hours working on behalf of AAPS sports. Great kids are worth it! I think we are voting Tuesday to keep our school system a place that will draw and retain coaches like Ms. Nixon.

hattrix

Sat, Oct 31, 2009 : 9:28 p.m.

Great game, Pioneer!! Great game, Emma Hamstra! Congratulations to all!!