By Dan Hardenbrook
For the first time ever, the top volleyball players from across the Upper Peninsula will come together to play in the inaugural Upper Peninsula All Star Volleyball Game in Crystal Falls this weekend. There will be two Newberry Lady Indians volleyball players there – the latest historic achievement in Newberry’s recent volleyball success.
The all stars have been divided up into four teams: Red, Black, White, and Blue. The four teams will go head-to-head in a pair of contests. Aliya Taylor, an All UP selection last season, will suit up for Team Black as a middle hitter. Taylor, the dominant net force for the Lady Indians, will be joined by EUP standout Lily Kwiatkowski and Munising libero player Olivia Cotey. The team will be coached by Lisa Fletcher of Ironwood and Sault Ste. Marie’s Brittany Killups.
Newberry’s own senior libero, Olivia Birk, will also be featured as one of the first group of UP All Stars. As a libero, Birk is a back row defensive specialist, adept at serve receive and ball control. Birk will be a member of Team White, joined by multi-sport star Janessa Eagle of Ishpeming and All UP standout Mia Nordstrom from Jeffers. Team White will be coached by Kate Bonacorsi of Calumet. Other players with local or regional ties include Manistique teammates Mya and Kyra Carlson, Big Bay de Noc’s Carrigan Thill, Callie Tremblay of Brimley, and Munising’s Hayden Bayer.
The 1st Annual UP All Star Volleyball Game gets underway Saturday at 6 p.m. Eastern (5pm Central) at the Forest Park High School. Team Red will take on Team Black in the opening match, followed by Team Blue battling Team White in the second matchup. The event will feature a full concession, and event clothing is also available at the event or online.
For more information on this year’s event, go to the UP All Star Volleyball game Facebook page.
