Times Observer Photos by Cody Elms Above, Sheffield head coach Melissa Lemay embraces the victorious Wolverines on Thursday night as Sheffield advanced into the quarterfinals of the District 9 playoffs. Below, Lexi Goldthwaite gets air returning the ball Thursday night in a District 9 playoff win over Clarion-Limestone.

SHEFFIELD — After dropping the first set 13-25 then dominating the second 25-15, the sixth-seeded Wolverines found themselves down 9-1 in the third when they were able to rally and pull off a close 25-23 win.

Sheffield then held on in another tight set 25-22, to defeat No. 11 Clarion-Limestone in the first round of the District 9 playoffs Thursday night.

“Clarion Limestone played outstanding. They’re great competitors,” said Sheffield head coach Melissa Lemay. “We were really able to gut that win out.”

Annabel Sheldon was a key factor Thursday night with 22 digs to go with her eight aces and seven kills. Lemay acknowledged that Sheldon was getting balls that she didn’t think anyone was capable of getting.

“I didn’t want to mention to our seniors before the match that this was likely their last match in this gym,” said Lemay. “I’m so excited for Emily (Leichtenberger), Lily (Lauffenberger) and Annabel that we were able to get a win for them.”

Kassidy Orinko had 27 digs, 12 kills and two blocks while Lynzie Grubbs was huge at the net for the Wolverines with eight blocks. Freshman Kadence Steffan had 26 assists to go with the steady play of sophomore Lexi Goldthwaite. Coming in clutch for Sheffield from the service line was another freshman, Syrena Antonuccio, who ramained confident and calm during the final set.

“Our younger players stayed amazingly cool tonight,” Lemay said.

Lemay stressed the important leadership throughout the season with a focus on captain Emily Leichtenberger who ended the night with eight kills and two aces.

“Madeline Roell and Lily Lauffenberger play such important roles for us as defensive specialists,” said Lemay. “Maddy served 17 serves tonight with no errors. Lily brings so much positive energy to the court. She is the best teammate and solid back row player. I just love all these girls and could not be prouder of them.”

The Wolverines will travel to Elk County Catholic on Tuesday for the quarterfinals.