FRUITPORT – The last few years have been frustrating for the Fruitport volleyball team.

The traditionally strong program with a rich history lost a lot of matches in the brutal O-K Blue conference, which is full of great volleyball teams.

The 2022 season was a perfect example. The Trojans struggled during the regular season, posting a 13-26 record and finishing last in the O-K Blue. But they thrived when they reached the postseason and won a district championship, because they didn’t have to play their conference opponents.

Last year the Trojans recorded a 13-26 overall record, but lost in the first round of districts against an O-K Blue opponent.

Happily, that situation has changed now that Fruitport has moved to the O-K Silver and will be playing new conference opponents Godwin Heights, Belding, Comstock Park, Kelloggsville, Hopkins, NorthPointe Christian and Calvin Christian.

With a new conference and an experienced lineup full of skilled players, the Trojans are more than ready to return to their winning ways.

Veteran Coch Nicole Bayle believes the difficult O-K Blue experience will actually pay dividends now.

“To compete and be at the top would be great for us,” said Bayle, whose team will open play on Saturday in Traverse City. “The O-K Blue was one of the best conferences in the state, so we’ve been battle tested. We’re excited about the opportunity to play some new schools we usually don’t play. It’ll have its own challenges, as well.”

One huge advantage for the Trojans will be the return of seven players from last year’s team, including seniors Sadie Haase and Tara Sweet.

Haase led the Trojans with 381 kills and 84 blocks last season.

“They’re both strong volleyball players,” said Bayle about the seniors. “They’re really focused on being great teammates, and we’re looking for great leadership out of them.”

Another key returnee will be junior setter Gracelynn Olson.

“Her position is one of natural leadership,” Bayle about Olson, who totaled 729 assists last year. “I’m impressed with her growth and communication. Her along with our seniors are a very strong core, not only volleyball-wise but in how they lead.”

Also returning for Fruitport are junior Emma Danicek, junior Ellie Stroup, sophomore Izabel Hanson-WiIbur and sophomore Emma Fecher.

“We’re still a young group,” Bayle said. “We’re going to have a small roster of nine this year. But I’ve got very high expectations and goals for this group of girls. They’ve also set some pretty lofty goals for themselves and have put the time in to accomplish them.”Fruitport’s Emma Danicek

Hoping to help the Trojans reach higher this season are sophomore newcomers Alexa Sweet and Addison Bordeaux.

Bayle believes her team has the potential for a big turnaround this season.

“I know this team wants to win districts and the conference tournament,” she said. “I really think having a winning season is something they want after struggling with our schedule in the past. We always talk about local teams too and want to be in the top two or three in our local area.

“I think the ceiling for this team is really high. We have some really great pieces and parts. If we can put it together and play as a team, I think we can really make a good run in the state tournament.”