FRUITPORT – Samantha Fehler played volleyball at Fruitport for longtime coach Nicole Bayle, so she very much understands the program’s winning tradition.

When Fehler took over for the retired Bayle this season, her biggest goal was to maintain that standard and keep the program on an upward trajectory.

That’s exactly what’s been happening so far this season.

Addison Bordeaux goes up for a kill. Photo/Jeremy Clark

The Trojans continued their quest for a third straight O-K Silver conference title on Thursday with a sweep of Hopkins on their home court. The scores 25-18, 25-12, 25-16.

Fruitport is now 8-2-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

Best of all, Coach Bayle was in attendance to watch Fehler and the Trojans post the win.

“I’m lucky enough to understand the tradition,” said Fehler, a former Muskegon Community College head coach. “I’m an alum and played for Coach Bayle. We have standards of excellence here and overall, it’s been a pretty easy transition with the girls. We’re trying to maintain things, and the girls are learning what to expect from me, as well.”

Myla Parker (3), McKenna Joslyn (6) go up for a block. Photo/Jeremy Clark

Senior standout Izzy Hanson-Wilbur, who reached a career milestone by collecting her 1,000th dig on Thursday, agreed that the coaching transition has been smooth.

“It’s honestly been easy with Sam,” said Hanson-Wilbur, who played for Bayle for her first three years of varsity. “We’re comfortable with her, and we keep learning and improving as a team.”

While the overall excellence was on display, the Trojans got off to a bit of a slow start, and the two teams were tied 11-11 midway through the first set.

Coach Samantha Fehler instructs a player. Photo/Jeremy Clark

But the Trojans quickly pulled it together and went on a 14-7 run to take the set 25-18.

“It’s became our focus,” said Fehler about cleaning up the play mid-set. “We keep track of how many points we’re earning versus giving away. The girls did a really nice job of locking in and knowing what they needed to do.”

The Trojans jumped out to a quick 10-1 lead in the second set and cruised to an easy 25-12 victory.

It was more of the same in the third set. Fruitport jumped out 13-4 and 23-8 leads before finally winning 25-16 and clinching the match.

Porter Johnson makes a pass. Photo/Jeremy Clark

Hanson-Wilbur led the Trojans with eight kills on the offensive side, and 13 digs in the defensive effort. Included in those digs was the 1,000th of her career.

“It’s crazy,” she said about hitting the milestone. “I knew I was close, and I was kind of counting my stats, to be honest. But overall, it just feels great.”

Alexa Sweet served four aces for Fruitport while Emma Fecher had 10 assists.

The Trojans will next be in action on Saturday when they host an invitational tournament.mini