(Chelsea Update would like to thank Sharon Kegerreis for both the information in this story and the photos.)
The Washtenaw Whippets Varsity team, comprised of Chelsea and Pinckney athletes, compete in Division I field hockey. As the 2012 Division III champions, the Whippets were bumped up to Division I after the Michigan High School Field Hockey Association realigned divisions into two for 2013.
Coaches Leslie Fry and Roxy Block set the season goal of being firmly in the top third of the division. As of mid-season, the team is on target, and is competing hard against other top-tier teams.
“The Whippets are a joy to coach,” says Fry. “I admire their teamwork, competitiveness and ability to push themselves harder than they have before, and to truly leave it all on the field.”
The Whippets’ record is a respectable 4-2-2, losing to Ann Arbor Pioneer, 1-0, and to Ann Arbor Skyline, 2-1.
The Whippets tied Ann Arbor Huron and Ladywood of Livonia, a first-time matchup for the teams.
Senior Kayla Hewitt and Sophomore Maggie Cole are tied as leading scorers for the team with five goals each. Cole also has four assists.
“Kayla’s speed and bullet drives have sped up our offense this year. Coupled with the elimination and passing skills of Maggie and Meghan Cole, I believe we have one of the strongest midfields in the state,” says Fry.
“We are fortunate to have the backfield led by Sophomore Sarah Mesko who controls the field with skills beyond her age.”
Tough in-season match-ups are ahead with the Whippets scheduled to play Saline, Academy of Sacred Heart, Ann Arbor Greenhills, Mercy and Dexter.
