Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms Sheffield’s Kadence Steffan chases down and keeps the ball alive Thursday in a four-set loss to AC Valley.

SHEFFIELD — The Wolverines fell for only the second time this year (10-2), losing in four sets to visiting AC Valley.

After taking taking the first set 25-22, AC Valley took a back and forth second set 29-31, and road that momentum on to11-25, and 14-25 wins.

“That hard-fought set two loss took the wind out of our sails even though in between sets we said that we were not going to let that happen,” said Sheffield Head Coach Melissa Lemay. “We came out flat and allowed them a seven-point run to start the third set. We just couldn’t string anything together.”

Sheffield had 71 digs, but 29 dig errors. Annabel Sheldon and Kassidy Orinko each had 16 digs, while setter Kadence Steffan had 13.

“AC Valley has an aggressive offense, and we struggled to pass and started getting timid and afraid to make mistakes on offense,” Lemay said. “Every time we gave the ball back to them they attacked the ball.”

We need to clean up our passing going forward.

Leading the offense was Emily Leichtenberger with nine kills. Lynzie Grubbs added seven kills and seven blocks. Kadence Steffan ran the offense with 26 assists. Freshman Syrena Antonuccio had her first varsity action coming in to serve for the Wolverines.

“We are very blessed to have a great mix of veteran volleyball players and youth,” said Lemay. “It means that our program continues to grow and improve. It’s very exciting to see.”

The junior varsity however did continue their win streak tonight with 25-12 and 25-13 victories over AC Valley. Kassidy Orinko had eight kills. Maddy Roell had 10 digs, and Syrena Antonuccio had four aces in her string of nine straight serves in the second set.

Sheffield will host Youngsville on Tuesday.

DRAGONS DOWN FRANKLIN

Warren evened its record to 4-4 in Region 4 play and 5-7 overall following a 25-12, 25-10, 25-11 victory over Franklin.

“We got a much-needed and nice total team win tonight,” Dragons coach Mike Dolan said. “Our ball control was improved and we got lots of effective attacks, especially out of our middles. We also served tough and passed well, two things we’ll have to keep doing well int he coming weeks.

Olivia English (seven kills, four digs, one ace) and Jordan Sitler (10 kills, one ace and one block) led a balanced attack. Carly Beeers added two kills and four aces; Isabel Wortman had four kills; Kylie Fehlman had four kills and two blocks; Ellee Irwin added a kill and an ace; Halee Mineweaser collected 30 assists, two blocks, three aces and one kill; Katie Madigan added 12 digs and one assist; Hannah Shattuck chipped in six kills, three aces and three digs; Jayna Baldensperger had two kills; Cara Munksgard had one kill; and Meredith Morrison added three aces and two digs.

In the junior varsity match, Franlkin prevailed, 25-19, 25-20.

Summer Lucks had four digs and one kill; Lauren Dolan had two kills and 16 assistss; Kyle Fehlman had 10 kills and five blocks; Lilly Hokel had two kills, Brooke Edwards had two kills; Kirsten Johnson had one kill; Lexi Hoffman had one kill and two digs; and Alexia Bowers had one kill and one ace for Warren.

EAGLES FALL

SAEGERTOWN — Youngsville fell to Saegertown in three games, 25-19, 25-11, 25-12, in the varsity match.

The hosts also claimed the junior varsity contest, 12-25, 25-20. The score of the third game was unavailable, but Saegertown was the winner.