LocalSportJournal.com
The Grand Haven volleyball team has had many impressive accomplishments over the past two seasons, including a final four finish in the state tournament last year, but winning an O-K Red Conference title has not been among them
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That’s why the Buccaneers were so excited Tuesday after they defeated West Ottawa 3-0 to capture their first league title since 2012.
It was actually a night of mixed results for Grand Haven, which also dropped a conference match to East Kentwood, 3-1. But that didn’t dampen the Bucs’ big moment.
“The seniors have been close the last couple years,” said Grand Haven Coach Aaron Smaka, whose team finished in second place in the league the last two seasons. “We are happy about the accomplishment, now we are ready for the playoffs.
“This conference is one of the best in the state, it features three teams (Grand Haven, Rockford and Hudsonville) who have been ranked in the top 10 all season long.”
Grand Haven is now 45-7 on the season and 9-1 in league play.
The Buccaneers lost to East Kentwood with set scores of 23-25, 23-25, 25-16 and 20-25, then beat West Ottawa with scores of 25-20, 25-13 and 25-22.
Morgan Ross led the Buccaneers with 20 kills while Emily Lachmann added 19. Sophia Newhouse led defensively with 49 digs, while Katie Cole had 70 assists and Claire Holman chipped in with 11 blocks.
Grand Haven will open Division 1 districts on Monday against Reeths-Puffer at 6 p.m. at Grand Haven High School.
