TRENDING Brewers win World Series Milwaukee can finally celebrate Dybantsa delivers in NBA debut WNBA Finals fatigue Jokić's 200th triple-double Story by Petoskey News Review Story by Petoskey News Review Could we have five Petoskey-area district champs? A look at each volleyball bracket Drew Kochanny, The Petoskey News-Review Thu, October 29, 2026 at 2:39 PM UTC · 7 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 1 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 1 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 2 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 3 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 4 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 5 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 6 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 7 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 8 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 9 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 10 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 11 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 12 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 13 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 14 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 15 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 16 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 17 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 18 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 19 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 20 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 21 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 22 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 23 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 24 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 25 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 26 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 27 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 28 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 29 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 30 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 31 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) 32 / 32 See Petoskey, Gaylord volleyball go toe to toe for second time Petoskey and Gaylord volleyball met for a second time this season on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Northmen earning a second win over the Blue Devils, this time in four sets. (Drew Kochanny/News-Review) The last of the fall sports postseasons to begin, volleyball will soon fallow the rest of the MHSAA's playoff field.
District volleyball tournaments will start up on Monday, Nov. 2 and run throughout next week.
Around Emmet and Charlevoix counties, teams will be spread across five district tournaments, many within distance for fans.
While that part is nice, what's even better is that brackets are set up in a way that five area teams have a legitimate shot of coming away with hardware by next Thursday.
From Petoskey and Boyne City in Divisions 1 and 3, to Mackinaw City, Harbor Light, Boyne Falls and East Jordan in Division 4, odds are in the corner of local squads.
That alone won't win games this time of year, however, and we've seen plenty of upsets unfold in years past.
Below you'll find how districts stack up, what teams have done this season and some names to know as we get the postseason going.
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Monday, Nov. 2 : Alpena at Marquette, 5 p.m.; Petoskey at Gaylord, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5 : District Final at Gaylord, TBD
BREAKDOWN: Everyone here, not just Petoskey, lucks out without the likes of Traverse City West and Central in the bracket.
Petoskey, in a 22-win season a year ago, went down at the hands of West in districts. In fact, three straight seasons and five of the last six, have been ended by either West or Central.
Against the two BNC foes here, Petoskey is 3-0 and has a chance to go 4-0 after meeting Alpena in the regular season finale (Thursday).
Jane Horsburgh (2) and the Petoskey volleyball team get a pair of Big North rivals and an unknown in Marquette ahead in their Division 1 bracket that's up for the taking next week. Marquette is the dark horse of the group, though like the other three, will carry a losing record into the postseason. The Sentinels haven't come below the bridge this season or met a Lower Peninsula team, so it's tough to gauge them currently.
If Petoskey's young group can build some momentum in the season finale, you have to like their chances of keeping it going another two games.
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Jane Horsburgh and Claire Pike, both freshmen have shown capable of getting hot on swings at times and fellow freshman Liza Luckhardt does a bit of everything on the court.
The key in two intense games will be Petoskey's defense. There's no margin for error for beating yourself this time of year.
Monday, Nov. 2 : Harbor Springs vs. Inland Lakes, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 4 : Harbor/Inland Lakes vs. Boyne City, 5 p.m.; Rudyard vs. Charlevoix, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5 : District Final at Charlevoix, 6 p.m.
BREAKDOWN: Like Petoskey, Boyne City catches a bit of numbers luck this season and bumps back down to Division 3, where they won't meet the likes of Kingsley, Sault Ste. Marie or Cheboygan.
The Ramblers are the clear favorite in a bracket they've built a 4-0 record against this season.
Losing setter Lily Payton was a big blow, though Addy Burns has been huge pulling double duty and Zoey Bernhardt, up from the JV, has been equally impressive.
Even with missing a star within the lineup, there's enough firepower on the Boyne City roster to bring in a district championship at the Division 3 level next week. Boyne City is deep, with great hitters in Ava Hissong, Maitlyn Barkley and Natalie Mastin, along with a big blocker in Eeva Rintala, and they've got great coaching. Boyne just can't head in overly confident and let an opponent open the door.
Charlevoix is capable of putting a foot in that door with a talented team led by Ayla Kemp and Jaslyn Blanton, with Blanton hopefully back from injury next week. Postseason experience isn't deep for the Rayders, though Addison Shearer, Ella Boss and Taryn Carey are also key.
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The Rams get a tough draw to start with Inland Lakes, a team they went to five with this season and won. There's solid veteran play from the likes of Avery Sears and Makenna Brey to pull out another win Monday.
Rudyard has a strong program and swept Inland Lakes and brought Cheboygan to five, so they'll certainly push Charlevoix to start.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 : Engadine at St. Ignace, 6 p.m.; Mackinac Island at Mackinaw City, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5 : District Final at St. Ignace, 6 p.m.
BREAKDOWN: The city vs. the island matchup gets another chance to decide things to start and Mackinaw City already owns some bragging rights for the season.
Mackinaw swept Mackinac in a tri-meet just a week ago, but Tuesday's will come with the ultimate rights for the season.
Rian Esper and the Mackinaw City volleyball team have a district full of familiar foes, though also a formidable challenger in St. Ignace. Mackinaw also has some familiarity with Engadine as well, recently playing to a draw in a tournament.
Consistency has been an issue for the Comets this season, though luckily they only need to pull out two games next week.
They've got talented hitters behind Alaia Mendez, Rian Esper and Poppy Wallace, along with strong defensive play from Julia Short and Emily Kruczynski.
St. Ignace played a tough schedule and owns a win over Boyne Falls and tied Harbor Light this season, so there's some familiarity with the Northern Lakes.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 : Burt Lake NMCA vs. Alanson, 5:30 p.m.; Pellston at Harbor Light, 7:15 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5 : District Final, 6 p.m.
BREAKDOWN: There have been some great battles between the Harbor Light and Burt Lake volleyball teams this season. And they might not be done yet.
While they each have to get past an opponent first, a fourth matchup of the season may be in store for these two.
Burt Lake took the first two in sets of three and four, before Harbor Light took the last victory in the Northern Lakes championship tourney.
Harbor Light Christian could be in store for another battle with Burt Lake NMCA, this time at the district championship level for the ultimate bragging rights on the season. The Swordsmen need to get senior Cara Paulus going in both games. When she's on, she's a force and tough to stop. But, Harbor Light has strong defense behind her from Alayna Swadling, Kaylee Degood, Lilly Cope and Makenna Vandock, all underclassmen.
Swadling, only a sophomore, has already played like one of the more talented setters in the area this season as well.
It's been a tough season for Pellston after a talented senior class graduated and they've fallen three times to Harbor Light already.
Monday, Nov. 2 : Wolverine at Gaylord St. Mary, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 4 : St. Mary/Wolverine vs. Boyne Falls, 5:30 p.m.; East Jordan vs. Ellsworth, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5 : District Final at St. Mary, 5:30 p.m.
BREAKDOWN: Could the Northern Lakes Conference come away with three district champions?
It's been that kind of year for the league.
While Gaylord St. Mary and East Jordan might be coming out of the typically strong Ski Valley, the NLC has some impressive teams at the top, including Boyne Falls.
The Loggers will head in more than capable of pulling out a title here. Things obviously run through Olivia Pineda-Andersen and her big swinging ability at the net, though Boyne Falls has another middle in Cheyanna Spang and a talented setter in Elleana Loper.
Casey Prevo and the East Jordan volleyball team have the talent to bring in a district title next week, though they'll have to get past Ski Valley and Northern Lakes challengers first. The NLC champions will likely have to get past St. Mary to start, though it's been an up and down season for the Snowbirds, who have put just five wins on the schedule.
East Jordan has a talented lineup that runs through Casey Prevo and Jo Kirkpatrick, though a recent loss to Harbor Light should instill a bit of confidence into the Loggers should they meet.
It's one of the more tossup brackets you'll find.
Reach Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com and follow him on X @DrewKochanny and Instagram @drewkochanny
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Could we have five Petoskey-area district champs? A look at each volleyball bracket
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