Though there was a slow start to the season, the Silver Bay volleyball team has begun to find their rhythm after three big wins in a row. When battling against Northeast Range and Cook County they forced both teams into five sets and took the W each time. Playing McGregor at an away game on September 26th, they took it in three.
“We have been tweaking things as we go throughout the beginning of the season,” said Tracy Blood, the Mariner’s head coach. “Shifting and re-shifting to find the right mix of six on the floor.”
Amongst that shifting, Valerie Melander has been playing the outside hitting position and has been a go-to for consistency in front row attacking from the service line. According to the junior captain’s coach, Valerie “has really stepped up and shown her versatility as an all-around player.”
Another junior captain, Madison Ollman, is filling in the libero role. “She has great tenacity in the back row for passing and attacking,” said Blood.
Last season’s Polar League All Star player Eveyln Viney, who also was part of the national championship win with the MN North Volleyball Club team over the summer, moved from the libero position into the role of the primary setter.
“Ev has great volleyball IQ as she has a deep passion for the sport,” said Blood. “Ev has exceeded expectations in this new role up to the mid-point of the 2024 season.”
The team is a young one and is building itself back up after losing five seniors last year. Currently, the varsity team consists of one senior, three juniors, four sophomores, and one freshman for their varsity squad.
Earlier in year, the Mariners bested Fond du Lac. They have fallen to Two Harbors twice, Cromwell-Wright, Cook County twice in previous games, Marshall, and Floodwood. In the Marshall High School Tournament earlier this season, Silver Bay took fourth place out of the five teams.
When McGregor visits on October 15th to attempt to avenge their loss, the Mariners will celebrate Senior Night, honoring varsity player Alexa Harrison and junior varsity player Emily Peterson in their final home game of the regular season. Parents Night, another special occasion, will take place the week before on October 10th.
As the team continues to build, Blood remains optimistic. “I am definitely looking forward to what the future seasons bring for this young group of athletes!” she said.
