Grand Haven volleyball team travels north, finishes second

LocalSportsJournal.com

NORTH BRANCH – The Grand Haven volleyball team earned a runner-up finish at the North Branch Invitational on Saturday. 

The Bucs swept pool play with wins against Dewitt (25-18, 25-21), Flint Powers (25-14, 25-18) and Lansing Catholic (27-25, 23-25, 15-13). 

In bracket play,the Bucs faced highly ranked Division 2 opponents with a victory over No. 5 Frankenmuth (26-24, 25-23) and a tough loss against No. 1 North Branch (19-24, 23-25).

Izzy Whittaker had 35 kills, 16 digs and 10 blocks while Sara Weber and Mallory Woiteshek added 72 assists and 32 kills, respectively. Eden Smith had 15 kills with 10 blocks and Melina Teunis got 14 kills and eight blocks.

Also, Taylor Smaka chipped in 51 digs and seven aces.

“We have played a really tough schedule so far this season and believe it has prepared us for conference play which starts this week,” said Grand Haven coach Aaron Smaka.

Grand Haven (17-9) will travel to face No. 3 Hudsonville on Thursday for OK Conference-Red play.