MUSKEGON — Whitehall didn't always have it easy Tuesday night in a district first-round game, but the Vikings did plenty enough to earn a sweep against Orchard View, 25-12, 25-19, 25-17, and earn a date with top seed Fruitport in the semifinals.
After a very impressive game one performance, Whitehall (16-19) was a little more uneven in game two, though every time the Cardinals threatened to take the lead, the Vikings were able to snap into action and move ahead.
"We are who we are," Whitehall coach Ted Edsall said with a wry smile. "It's tough to change the stripes of a tiger this time of year."
Edsall noted that Orchard View, which plays a more chaotic style than most teams, can be a difficult squad to play against because opponents don't always know what to expect. The most cohesive teams generally follow a predictable formula of pass, set and spike - even if defending it is easier said than done - and the Cardinals were, more out of necessity than design, not on that same script.
"I think their coach (Alecia Miller) does a good job because they play hard and they get the ball over the net a lot," Edsall said. "You have to play at a decent level because they're going to keep getting it over. It's not a bad team. You get a game in this gym against your opponent who's decent, it was a good first-round game.
"I played four sophomores and a freshman tonight. There was a little indecision. The ball comes over at unusual times. They're not always in system, and that can put you in some difficult situations."
The Viking offense was solid, hitting for a .198 average as a team. Senior Sidney Shepherd led the way, posting 12 kills and a .360 hitting percentage. She also paced the team in assists, with 17. Her on-court leadership guiding a young roster - four sophomores and a freshman played during Tuesday's match - has been instrumental for the team.
"I did very little tonight," Edsall said. "I've really tried to stay out of her way for the last half of the year. She's done a great job. She's a four-year varsity player. She and Bella (Fogus) have been playing for four years, and Bella does a good job too. "
The Vikings will have a tall task against Fruitport - literally so in the case of middle hitter Sadie Haase, a Grand Valley State commit - and Edsall isn't pretending otherwise. However, if the Vikings can play one of their best matches of the season, he believes they can give themselves a chance.
