LocalSportsJournal.com
WHITEHALL — It was just the kind of test the Shelby girls volleyball team needed as the Tigers look forward to the post-season tournament, as they were pressed to the limit by Whitehall in Thursday night’s West Michigan Conference Rivers Division match on the road.
The Tigers defeated the Vikings in three tough sets, 25-21, 28-26 and 25-17.
“All three sets were important because they tested the girls’ focus and composure in big situations,” Tigers’ head coach Tom Weirich said.
“As it turned out, I like how they handled all three opportunities. It was a good test for us mentally and physically.”
The Tigers trailed early in the first set and battled back. They carried a good lead into the latter stages of set two, ended up being tied at 24-24 and then finished it out for a very close win.
In the third set the Tigers gained early control and never really relinquished it.
Navea Gauthier had a huge night, producing 70 attacks with 31 kills. She also finished with two blocks.
Biloxi Lee contributed 11 attacks with two kills and was a leader on defense as well with 16 digs.
Audrey Horton triggered the offensive attack with 35 assists, while Morgan Weirich had six. Horton had 17 service points with two aces.
Gladys Moncada Pineda contributed 15 points with two aces from the service line. Weirich led the defense with 24 digs.
Whitehall’s leaders included Ariana Black who had seven kills, while Brianna Hamann had six and Kayla Mulder five.
Chase Baker served up two aces. Sydney Shepherd had 29 assists. Shepherd, Hamann, Mulder and Caydence King each had one block.
The Vikings fell to 14-5 overall and 2-1 in the conference, and competes in a tournament at Shelby on Saturday.
