Trojans claim 5th straight league title

Mon, Nov 2, 2009    to del.icio.us

Fruitport won its fifth-straight volleyball league championship on Saturday at Ludington, topping Spring Lake in the finals of the Lakes Eight Conference tournament, 25-19, 25-20, 25-14.

Spring Lake coach Sarah Bulthuis said the Trojans' serving and aggressive hitting proved to be too tough to handle.

"Fruitport makes it difficult for you to run your offense," Bulthuis said. "Our passing wasn't there and we gave them too many free balls. And you can't afford to do that against a team like Fruitport. They're very aggressive hitting and they've got a lot of offensive weapons. Plus they serve tough."

The Trojans swept Tri-County (25-9, 25-10, 25-6) and Newaygo (25-12, 25-16, 25-13) en route to the finals.

Senior standout Ashley Hulbert led the Trojans' hitters with 30 kills, but the team's balance shined with Shelby Ray contributing 21 kills and Beka German adding 20 during Fruitport's tournament run. German also had nine blocks.

Sophomore setter Lauren Hazekamp finished with 69 assists and 20 service points, while Hulbert led with seven aces.

Spring Lake opened with a four-game victory over Ludington, 16-25, 25-17, 25-10, 25-10, then edged Fremont in four, as well, 22-25, 25-14, 27-25, 25-22.

"Having played them 48 hours earlier, it was fresh in our minds on who they like to set and what type of game plan they like to execute," said Bulthuis, whose team beat the Packers at the Whitehall Quad last Thursday. "We were well-prepared for them."

Kaitlyn Mulder had 10 aces, 30 service points, and 29 kills to pace the Lakers. Rachel Kilbry, who is close to full strength after missing time with a knee injury, had 10 blocks. Hayley Schram added 28 points, 13 kills and 11 blocks, while Taylor Keyser totaled 87 assists and 35 digs.

Spring Lake opens district action tonight against Muskegon Heights at Orchard View High School. Fruitport faces the host Cardinals in their first-round match on Wednesday.