The Bulldogs shut out Lakeview 137-0. /// Photo: Bobby Gable •
Reigning Michigan state champion Grandville continue to win but has put some considerable distance between itself and the competition. After shutting out Lakeview Friday night, the Bulldogs are now 4-0 and have outscored opponents 385-10.
Senior captains Bethany Gable (sister to Army center Bayleigh) and Erin Fitzpatrick set the tone, leading from No. 8 and wing, respectively. They combined for eight tries against Lakeview and are the example for a freshman class that is coming into its own. Freshman scrumhalf Angelina Pollice played above her experience level and kept the ball moving. When it moved wide, freshman wing Hanna Sarber showcased excellent speed and deceptive speed for four tries.
Sophomore flanker Addy Ochoa (3), junior flyhalf Matja Saarenheimo-VanderHorst (2) and freshman wing Hailie Davidoski scored tries, while forwards Lexie Brown, Olivia Bowen and Grace Dykla scored their first tries for the Bulldogs. Leading all point-scorers was soccer transfer Cici Loew, who slotted 16 of 21 conversions.
“I have been watching these girls for four years, and I believe this is the deepest team Grandville has ever had,” observed Bobby Gable, father to Bethany and Bayleigh. “They have the players in place to keep this run going for another four years.
“It’s great to see the experience of captains Bethany Gable and Erin Fitzpatrick working with the freshmen girls on a daily basis to achieve the results they are having,” Gable added. “Credit the hard work of coach Magdalene Law to really orchestrate the productivity of the team’s success too.”
Grandville will play Grand Haven and Sparta to round out the regular season, and is the heavy favorite to repeat as state champion.