Both Whitehall and Reeths-Puffer went 0-4 Saturday against rugged competition at Saturday's Mona Shores Invitational.
The Vikings (9-13) lost matches to Kalamazoo Central, Western Michigan Christian, Forest Hills Eastern and Mona Shores, all in two games. The closest match of the four was against WMC, a 25-16, 25-15 defeat.
Aaliyah Jamison had 29 digs for the day, and Bella Fogus led the offense with 17 kills. Sidney Shepherd had 21 assists and Lou Mulder added 19. Shepherd and Delaney Kramer each had six blocks.
Reeths-Puffer's four defeats came to North Muskegon, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Kalamazoo Central and Western Michigan Christian. The Rockets (8-14) lost a close three-game match to WMC in bracket play, 26-24, 24-26, 15-7. R-P's defeats to North Muskegon and Kalamazoo Central were also very close, with the Rockets scoring 20 or more points in all four games of those matches.
"The results speak for themselves with how competitive we are and
how close we are to winning these matches," R-P coach Justin Birr said. "I am proud of how we played defensively. If
we can combine today's defense with an improved offense, I truly
believe we are 3-1 against the same opponents. Although it is
encouraging to say that, it is also frustrating to come up short."
Carlee Bowen compiled 32 digs on the day, leading that impressive defensive effort. Madilynn Dyer had 56 assists, and Alissa Klopp led the offense with 22 kills. Klopp also had a team-high six aces. Mairyn Peterson had five blocks.
