LocalSportsJournal.com
GRAND HAVEN – Shelby faced some stiff competition when it traveled to Grand Haven for a Friday tournament.
The Tigers faced Ludington, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Leland and Fremont and walked away with a 1-3 record.
Facing talented teams is one thing, but doing so with a limited roster is another. Shelby was not at full strength with multiple athletes taking off for the holiday weekend.
The day started off with a victory over Ludington in two sets, 26-24, 25-16. The Tigers were then dispatched in two sets by both GR Catholic Central and Leland. In their final bout of the day with Fremont, Shelby got off to a good start and won, 25-23. The Packers rallied back to down the Tigers in two straight sets, however, 26-24, 15-11.
“We had moments when we played some great volleyball against some of the best teams in our area,” Shelby coach Tom Weirich said of his team’s tournament outing. “With conference play beginning next week, we continue to learn about ourselves and hope this high- level competition will put us in a better position to compete on Tuesday nights. Win or lose, we are always learning.”
Leading the Tigers was Navea Gauthier with 69 kills and 39 digs. Audrey Horton had 53 assists and 6 aces, while Hannah Frees recorded 39 digs. Biloxi Lee (9 kills) and Molli Schultz (6 aces) gave Shelby valuable contributions as well.
Shelby will begin conference play next week when it takes on Mason County Central in Scottville, Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
