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Cherry Buzz

Aug 22, 2026

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High school volleyball in the Grand Traverse Bay area
Featuring top girls volleyball and volleyball teams across the region

The energy surrounding girls volleyball grand traverse bay is unmistakable as another high school season gets underway in the region.

 

Fans packed into local gyms, eager to see how top volleyball teams in Grand Traverse Bay would handle fresh challenges and new competition.

 

Recently, the Manistee Mariners squared off against Suttons Bay, kicking off their campaign in dramatic fashion, despite hurdles that forced last-minute lineup changes.

 

With two key middle blockers sidelined, the Mariners found themselves reshuffling positions and rallying behind unfamiliar faces on the court.

 

Senior leaders and underclassmen alike seized the opportunity to prove something to themselves and their community.

 

This moment of adversity revealed both the depth of talent and the unpredictable nature of high school volleyball grand traverse bay fans have come to expect.

 

According to team insiders, coach Dana Wayward praised her athletes for adaptability in the face of sudden changes.

 

She spotlighted outstanding efforts from veteran players and newcomers, with athletes like Paelynne Kolk stepping into vital playmaking roles.

 

The fast pace of varsity matches became an eye-opener for several rising juniors pressed into service, including former JV setter Marah Miller adjusting to new on-court duties.

 

This season, the competition in volleyball teams Grand Traverse Bay is expected to be fierce, with teams from Traverse City, Elk Rapids, and Kalkaska rolling out their own top returners and fresh talent from youth leagues.

 

Local supporters say there’s a sense of resilience spreading throughout the program, as players tackle new roles and find ways to fill in after graduation losses.

 

Maya Goodspeed shines as a prime example, shifting to outside hitter to fill the shoes of outgoing stars.

 

As the season continues, expectations run high for dramatic rallies, breakout stars, and heart-stopping points that make high school volleyball in the Grand Traverse Bay area a spectacle locals refuse to miss.

10 Comments

Join the conversation

  • EV
    Emily V.· Aug 23, 4:40 PM

    so proud of maya

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 25, 12:05 PM

      Maya’s versatility and leadership truly set her apart this year, she’s been a key force for the team!

  • DL
    Derek L.· Aug 22, 9:19 PM

    let's go mariners

    • LS
      Leanne S.· Aug 24, 9:59 AM

      Derek L.They really showed a lot of grit even with those last-minute changes. Should be a fun season to watch!

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 24, 1:49 PM

      The Mariners showed incredible heart and adaptability out there, it's shaping up to be an exciting season!

  • HB
    Hannah B.· Aug 22, 4:06 AM

    Love seeing the younger players step up

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 22, 7:10 PM

      Absolutely, it's inspiring to watch underclassmen like Marah Miller and Paelynne Kolk embrace new challenges and help elevate their teams.

    • KN
      Keith N.· Aug 23, 3:49 AM

      Hannah B.Same here! It’s great when they get a chance to show what they can do, and it really brings the whole team together.

  • LJ
    Lenny J.· Aug 22, 2:19 AM

    Go Mariners!

    • CB
      Cherry BuzzAuthor· Aug 22, 5:51 AM

      The Mariners' resilience was on full display in their opener, here's to more exciting volleyball ahead for Manistee!

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