Local Sports Journal

Adversity can haunt a team at any time – even during crucial postseason play.

It visited the Whitehall volleyball team during warmups Wednesday when Rachel Brown, one of the Vikings’ top players, suffered an ankle injury and was unable to play in the Class B semifinal match against Coopersville.

But the rest of the Vikings picked up the slack and rallied for a 3-1 victory to advance to Friday’s district title match against Spring Lake.

Spring Lake defeated the Vikings in last year’s championship match.

“Getting the victory despite losing one of our best players made this game one of the most gratifying wins I have had as a coach in 28 years,” said Whitehall Coach Ted Edsall, whose team improved to 36-14-3. “Our defense was as good as it has been all year.”

The Vikings dropped the first game 25-20, then took the next three 25-19 25-22, 25-12.

Alyssa Myers had two aces, three kills, three blocks and 31 assists for Whitehall while Julie Brown had three aces, 15 kills, and six digs.

Spring Lake 3 Oakridge 0 – The Lakers defeated the Eagles 25-21, 25-12, 25-22. Kelsee Zuidema had 15 kills, 15 digs, and three aces while Abby Moe had 40 assists on the night. Emma Suchecki led the Lakers with 30 digs and 5 aces.

Class B at Fremont

Fremont 3, Newaygo 0 – The Packers won 25-13, 25-10, and 25-16. Lexie Bradley paced Fremont with 21 kills, Katie Parkhurst added 33 assists and Makalah Mongar had 8 digs. Riley Knight had ten digs, three assists, one kill and one ace for Newaygo. The Packers will face off with Grant Friday nat home in the district final.

Grant 3, Tri County 1 – The Tigers won the semifinal match 25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 26-24. They were led by Laura Bouwkamp who provided 17 kills and six digs. Dayna Wood also added 19 kills and 16 digs. Sierra Schuitema had four aces, five kills, 45 assists, and 22 digs.

Class C at Shelby

Holton 3, Hart 1 – The Red Devils captured the hard fought semifinal 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-19. Rachel Younts had two aces, 18 kills, one assist, and 15 digs to set the tone for the Red Devils. Shelbey Younts added 40 assists while Jacki Stone had 21 kills and 15 digs. Holton advances to face Shelby in the district final Thursday night.

Shelby 3, Mason County Central 0 – The Tigers won 25-11, 25-16, 25-16. McKenna Peters provided three aces and seven kills on the night for the Tigers, while Hannah Deblois added 14 kills and 14 digs. Sarajane Fortier had 38 assists and Deanna Gray added 19 digs.