Local Sports Journal
SPRING LAKE – The Western Michigan Christian Warriors outlasted host Spring Lake Saturday in the finals of the Laker Invitational, with the Warriors winning 25-22, 25-22.
The Lakers earned a spot in the finals with a 25-17, 25-22 victory over Ravenna in the semifinals.
In pool play, the Lakers downed Muskegon Catholic 25-20, 25-14, Reeths-Puffer 25-15, 25-17, and Ravenna 25-15, 22-25, 15-4.
“Overall the Lakers had a good day,” said Spring Lake head coach Sarah Bulthuis. “We lost to a good team in the finals. We had some line-up changes due to injuries. I was very pleased with the girls that stepped up and had to perform today. I felt like the chemistry on the court today was very good.”
Junior Kelsee Zuidema led the Lakers with 59 kills, 40 digs, seven aces and 24 points, with teammate Lydia Suchecki finished with 36 kills, 37 points and 10 aces, and Rachel Pennington contributed 91 digs, three aces and 14 points.
Spring Lake’s Courtney Kyser totaled 25 kills, 26 points, four aces and 14 blocks, while Karley Engelsman had 134 assists, 28 digs and eight blocks, Abby Moe had 33 points and nine aces, and Bre Burns added 18 kills and eight blocks.
“My setter (Engelsman) did a great job of mixing up the offense and our passing was very consistent,” said Bulthuis. “Defensively we are improving with every game. Senior Libero Rachel Pennington had a great defensive passing day.”
Spring Lake’s record now sits at 22-6-2 overall.
