By Dave Hart and Mitch Ashcraft
LocalSportsJournal.com
GRAND HAVEN – The “Battle of the Boardwalk” volleyball tournament is now in its fourth season, and it’s a lot different than it used to be.
The participating teams decided to turn the competition into a scrimmage, allowing each school to compete in the event without using it as one of the 18 events allowed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
The event now lasts two days, with the athletes spending the first afternoon running a camp for seventh- and eighth-graders. The first day concluded with open adult tournaments for all ages.
The tournament is now free to the public and the players are dressed in a more casual attire, wearing t-shirts and sunglasses.
It’s all very fitting for an outdoor, late summer volleyball event.
On the court Grand Haven took home the trophy, winning each of its three matches against Fruitport, Spring Lake and Mona Shores.
The Buccaneers have won the tournament every year since its inception in 2013.
“It has been an amazing two days, with the things we added like that camp that included over 100 middle school kids at the camps,” said Grand Haven Coach Aaron Smaka, whose team is currently 10-1 in the regular season.
The Buccaneers were led Olivia Boeve with 15 kills and Morgan Ross with 14 kills.
Avolyn Lepo chipped in with 10 kills and three blocks for Grand Haven while Cassidy Schumacher had seven aces.
Mona Shores won two matches in the event while Fruitport won one. Spring Lake also participated in the tournament.
“It went good,” said Fruitport Coach Nicole Bayle. “I think it is an opportunity for our kids to participate in something really special.”
The Trojans were led by Jordyn Carlyle with 12 kills, Rebekah Busscher with six aces, Kelsey Schultz with 30 digs and Kailey Carmean with 51 assists.
