November 2023

Mariner freshman Libero Evelyn Viney was voted All-Conference 1st team in the Polar League and will be playing in the All-Star volley game in Two Harbors November 13th.Coach Tracy Blood called Viney a “talented, driven, and volleyball-passionate” player and urges the public to come out for the game to see if the small-school team with Lake county players can prevail against the larger schools.“ It’s a matchup of the bigs versus the smalls and is a great opportunity to see the Polar League talent in action one last time after the state tournament weekend,” said Blood.The following were award recipients during the 2023 Mariner Varsity volleyball awards presentation last weekend:MVP Sophomore Madison OllmanBest Offensive Player Senior Katie CarpenterBest Defensive Player Freshman Evelyn VineyBest Teammate Sophomore Valerie MelanderMost Improved Freshman Callie ErnestMost Coachable Freshman Callie ErnestRookie Player 7th Grader Kinley NelsonMost Solo Blocks Callie Ernest (24)Most Kills Alexia Viney (166)Most Ace Serves Katie Carpenter (41)Senior Captain Brooke VelcheffSenior Captain Katie Carpenter Senior Captain Chloe McWatters Senior Captain Alexia Viney2024 Season Captain Madison Ollman

Mariners volleyball in Silver Bay ended the season with an overall 7-17, but they gained a more balanced record against teams within section 7A with seven wins and 8 losses.“We were in the middle of the pack and seeded fifth going into the playoffs, it was a roller coaster of season,” stated coach Tracy Blood.Five William Kelley high school seniors played for the Mariners this year, with the four seniors on the varsity squad all captains and bringing some cumulative years of experience to the game.Blood says of senior Katie Carpenter that her change in roles from all-around playing in front and back rows to setter this year took a lot of adjustment.