LAST YEAR: The Trojans returned to state prominence, posting a great 36-12 overall record and winning the O-K Silver conference title with a 10-1 mark. They went on to win Division 2 district and regional championships before bowing out in the state quarterfinal round. The talented group was led by senior Sadie Haase, a tall, powerful All-Stater who was a dominant force at the net.
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RETURNING STARTERS: The Trojans were already faced with the reality of having to replace Haase, then All-Stater Gracelynn Olson, a standout setter who was ready to return for her senior year, suffered an injury with her club team and is out for the season. Even without those great players, however, Fruitport has talent to work with, starting with senior outside hitter Ellie Stroup, a third-year varsity player who was All-Conference and All-Area last season. She should provide a lot of offense this season. Also back is middle/outside hitter Emma Danicek, who will also provide a lot of offensive punch. The other big scorer will be talented junior Izzy Hanson-Wilbur, who already has two years of varsity experience.
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OTHER KEY RETURNERS: With Olson out for the season, the Trojans will employ a two-setter system to feed the point-producers, and they have experienced players to fill those roles. Junior Emma Fecher will be switching from libero to setter, and junior Alexa Sweet will be the other setter. Also back on the team, and expected to play key roles, are junior attacker Addison Bordeaux, who will have more offensive responsibilities this year, and junior attacker Joslyn Nowicki, who was called up to varsity last season and showed a lot of potential.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Sophomore Rowynn Miller is a strong blocker who will be also be an offensive weapon. Sophomore Porter Johnson and freshman Regan Wilson are both strong defensive players who will make the Trojans better in the back row. Junior Claire Ludlow will add depth to the roster.
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OPENING DAY: Fruitport will open the season on Friday at the Coopersville Invitational.
COACH QUOTE: “This year’s team is going to be very different from the last few years with Sadie Haase graduating. A team that had been centered on a powerful middle offense the last three years will look different. We are going back to our roots of Fruitport Trojan volleyball. We will be a skilled ball-control team that is dominated by pin hitters, crafty offense, and relentless defense. With the late injury of Gracelynn OIson, August could be a little rocky for our squad, but we are hoping by mid-September to begin to find our groove as a team.” – Nicole Bayle
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