Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms Sheffield senior Kassidy Orinko sets to serve.

Sheffield ended its 2022 season with a loss to Clarion in the opening round of the District 9 Class 1A playoffs, however following that game, Sheffield head coach Melissa Lemay was optimistic, stating that aside from losing only one starter, 2022 graduate Lexi Goldthwaite, they would have everyone back for the 2023 season, now with experience at a higher level.

The Wolverines, now led by seniors’ Kassidy Orinko, Kadence Steffan, Paris Foster, Cali Silves, and Emily Foster, who is still recovering from a track injury last spring, are coming into this season in a much better position than years past.

“The wonderful thing about this group of girls, is they can play anywhere I put them,” said Lemay of the versatility of having experience players.

Lemay stressed the closeness of the team, expressing that they genuinely enjoy spending time together even off the court, which contributes heavily to their improved communication and unselfish play.

“They like each other,” said Lemay. “They like to spend time with each other. Last night 12 out of the 19 were at my house to watch the Nebraska volleyball game. I think that’s big part of it. They trust each other.”

Behind the five seniors, Sheffield has another five juniors including starters Emily Davidson and Madison Connolly. Lily Benton, Madison Hackley, and Kathrine Powell round out the junior class.

Sheffield sophomores include Emma Roell and Peyton Wotorson, both playing varsity, and Addisen Heeter. The roster fills out with freshmen Sydney Barr, Kaitlyn Finch, Kelsi Silves, Madison Snell, Camryn Sunberg and Raelyn Wightman.

Looking ahead to the season, Lemay stressed winning as many games as possible for playoff seeding, but specifically the games they have circled are against the teams that gave them trouble last year.

“Last year we had pretty good success within our own District 9, we did lose two to Kane,” said Lemay, but I think that we carry a chip on our shoulder especially with Elk County, Kane, and Johnsonburg because we didn’t beat them last year, at home or away. So I think that the girls feel like they have something to prove this year. I just told them; you can’t have an undefeated season without winning number one.”