The opening week of the girls soccer season is already delivering the kind of storylines fans love to follow dominant performances, gritty efforts in tough matchups, and teams beginning to show what they could become this spring. Fruitport made an early statement with a lopsided win, Ludington showed toughness while facing difficult circumstances, and several area teams added strong results of their own. Here’s a look at the top stories and the other scores making headlines across the region.
Fruitport Opens Season with Statement Win Over Hart
Fruitport wasted no time setting the tone for its season, rolling to a decisive 7-0 victory over Hart.
The Trojans jumped out to a 4-0 halftime lead and never looked back, controlling possession and consistently applying pressure in the attacking third. Hart, dealing with injuries and forced to rotate goalkeepers, showed resilience but struggled to slow Fruitport’s offensive momentum.
Despite the scoreline, Hart continued to compete throughout the match, with Bailey Klotz recording three saves and Emma Hopkins adding six in her varsity debut.
Fruitport (1-0) will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup against Forest Hills Eastern, while Hart (0-1) returns home to face Suttons Bay.
Ludington Shows Toughness Against Strong Competition
Ludington opened its season against a high-level opponent in Western Michigan Christian, falling 4-1 but showing determination throughout.
Hestyn Stowe accounted for the Orioles’ lone goal, while the team battled through adversity, including injuries to key starters and playing a significant portion of the second half down a player following a red card.
Despite the challenges, Ludington demonstrated grit and competitiveness that could pay dividends as the season develops.
Other Scores & Highlights
Reeths-Puffer 7, Ludington 1
Montague 3, Comstock 2
Shelby 4, Lakeview 2 Shelby earned its first win of the season with a dramatic comeback. Trailing 2-0 late, the Tigers surged with four unanswered goals, including two from Kylie Brown and scores from Kylee Hanson and Annie Stark.
Shelby 3, Tri-County 3 The Tigers opened the season with a draw behind two goals from Kylie Brown and a strong nine-save performance from Brylee Friedman.
North Muskegon 4, Leland 0 A dominant second half powered the Norse, led by Alex Johnson (2 goals) and Emmy Creed (1 goal, 2 assists).
North Muskegon 3, Grandville Calvin Christian 0
Mona Shores 1, West Ottawa 0 Cassie Routt scored the lone goal off an assist from Makinley Younts, while Amelia Duff recorded the shutout.
Mona Shores 0, Unity Christian 2 Duff kept the Sailors in it with 15 saves against the defending state champions.
Fremont 3, West Michigan Aviation 3 Grace Evans scored late to secure the draw after Fremont had built a 2-0 lead earlier.
Oakridge 3, Grant 1 Oakridge responded to an early deficit with three unanswered goals to secure the win.
