Undefeated Saline Field Hockey Team Wins D2 Regular Season Title

The Saline field hockey team celebrated the capping of an undefeated Division II regular season Monday night. Saline closed its Michigan High School Field Hockey Association Division 2 regular season with a 5-0 win over Farmington United. With the win, Saline clinched first place in Division 2 with a 12-0-1 record. Saline finished the league season with 59 goals for and one goal against.

Coach Erica Reilly said her team accomplished something special.

“Our motto is give 110 percent and that’s what they’ve been doing,” Reilly said. “These girls have worked so hard since Aug. 12. They practice as hard as they play. Tonight they were relentless and they found the net five times today.”

The win automatically qualifies Saline for Division 1 play next year – which was a team goal at the outset of the season. They’re not satisfied yet.

“Today the girls checked that one box and now it’s the hunt for the states,” Reilly said. “With this group, our bench is so deep, I think if they keep their heads on right we could be very successful in the post-season.”

While the Hornets should play a home playoff game or two at Saline, Monday’s game was the final regular season game at Saline High School for seniors Kennedy Boyer, Sophia O’Connor, Olivia Wash, Kaili Dence, Loren Murphy, Alisha Ungkuldee, Abby Martin, Meaghan Martin, Bailey Elekonich and Rachel Schmidt.

“We started 10 seniors today and I’m so proud of the way they played and moved the ball. They deserve this,” Reilly said.

Saline poured on the early pressure and struck first following pressure on a penalty corner. After a scramble, Dence passed to Morton at the side of the goal. She tucked it in for a 1-0 lead with 20:19 to play in the half.

While it was the seniors staking Saline to a 1-0 lead, it was the freshman who provided some early insurance. Devin Reilly sprinted up the right win and played a hard ball to the front of the net where Hannah Jarvie redirected it past the helpless keeper for a 2-0 lead.

“That’s that right side dynamic duo I’ve been talking about all season long. They seem to find each other everywhere on the field and are able to connect and make big plays,” Reilly said.

The freshman added to Saline’s lead early in the second half, crashing the net and depositing a loose ball into the goal for a 3-0 lead.

Midway through the second half the Hornets added to their lead. Loren Murphy blocked an attack and turned it back toward the Farmington goal. She passed to Sierra Hazard who rushed up the left side and then fired a shot toward the goal. Dence redirected Hazard’s shot into the goal.

Dence used her speed to create chances throughout the night.

“It was a very exciting night for Kaili Dence. She’s capable of doing that each and every game. It was great to see her shine tonight,” Reilly said. “She’s fast. She’s got a great stick. She’s got great hand-eye coordination.”

Saline scored again with 7:30 to play. Grace Livesey led a rush up middle for a dangerous opportunity. Her shot was turned aside by Meaghan Martin was there to stuff in the rebound.

Saline visits D1 Dexter Wednesday to tune up for the post-season.

Saline will open the playoffs at home at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27 against the winner of the Brighton/Farmington game. With a victory, Saline would advance to the semifinal at 7 p.m., Oct. 29, at Dearborn High School. The Division II state championship game is at Skyline at noon, Oct. 31.

More News from Saline

• SOFTBALL: Saline Roars Back to Earn Split With Dexter Saline split its doubleheader with Dexter Monday to maintain its grip on the SEC Red.
• BASEBALL: Saline Rebounds to Split Doubleheader with Dexter Saline lost its first SEC Red game of the season against Dexter Monday but rebounded for a split to keep the Hornets atop the conference.