NORTH MUSKEGON- The North Muskegon volleyball team has put together a very solid season thus far, with all eyes on a potential West Michigan Conference Rivers Division championship.

Although the team has had a grind of a non-conference schedule, the Norse had been able to go undefeated in conference play leading up to Tuesday night’s match against Shelby, another unbeaten conference team.

The energy surrounding the match was intense, and the Norse got off to a good start by winning the first set 25-18. But then the talented Tigers settled in and responded by winning the next three sets with scores of 20-25, 17-25 and 21-25 to top the Norse 3-1.

Despite the loss, the Norse players’ spirits remain high, and their season is far from over- a thought that head coach Kammi Eacker brought up after the game.

“I’m not discouraged, I knew tonight was going to be a tough night,” Eacker said. “I knew it was going to be a battle.”

Despite the relentless Shelby attack, a handful of players still managed to have very solid nights for the Norse.

Jaley Schultz kept North Muskegon afloat on defense, notching an impressive 22 digs and helping to slow down Shelby star Navea Gauthier. Also having good games for North Muskegon were Natalie Pannucci, who posted a team-high 14 kills, and Sami Baker, who led the team in assists with 29.

Even from the other side of the net, the North Muskegon effort received good reviews.

“Going into the season we knew this was going to be the one team to give us fits this year, and we weren’t wrong,” said Shelby head coach Tom Weirich after the match. “They’re super good.”

Although they now find themselves out of the driver’s seat for the conference title, the Norse know they that will have another crack at Shelby in the conference tournament, with even more on the line.

“We’ll see them in the conference tournament, so we’ll just get them next time,” Eacker said. “We’re coming for them.”