IAC VOLLEYBALL: WAVERLY'S SINSABAUGH LOOKING TO BUILD TOWARD SECTION IV REPEAT (14 PHOTOS) (2019-09-03)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportWAVERLY - Coming off the program's first-ever Section IV volleyball title, Waverly coach Kesha Sinsabaugh is focused on building toward a repeat performance in 2019.
(Waverly opens the 2019 season Tuesday night at Watkins Glen.)
Sinsabaugh believes there is a bit of pressure on her team this season.
"Coming off of last season, I think there's more pressure, the girls want to repeat," said Sinsabuagh. "We have six back out of 10, and I think those girls are putting a little bit more pressure on themselves.
"I'm probably adding a little more pressure because I know they can definitely repeat," she noted. "We need just to make sure we incorporate the other four into the mix, and we come together, and continue on as that team.
"Right now, there's a balancing act," continued Sinsabaugh. "We know where we ended the season, we know the expectations for this season, and we know what where we want to be at the end of this season.
"And, I think the pressure the returners may be putting on the newcomers is a bit of a concern," she added. "They've been there, and they want to be there again. I think there may be a rush to get there, instead of slowing building it up."
Paige Lewis and Morgan Adams will start at middle hitters, along with Sidney Tomasso. Emilee Little will also see time in the middle.
Adriannah Clinton and Maddie Goodwin will start at outside hitters, while Chloe Croft will start at setter, with Lewis setting at times as well.
Candor-transfer Ayran Peters will start at libero for the Lady Wolverines, while Caitlin Bakley and Izzy Garvey will see time as defensive specialists.
Sinsabaugh has been impressed with her team's communications on the court in the early going.
"This team has come out strong in the preseason," she said. "It has been able to adjust and communicate, which is something we've focused on the last three weeks.
"It's probably the strongest team I've had in terms of communicating since I've been coaching," added Sinsabaugh. "Hopefully, it's something we'll continue to work on, and continue to build on."
Sinsabaugh also expects the team's hitting to be a strength at some point this season.
"I think hitting will continue to be a strength for us, but to start the season it may not be," she said. "Right now, we have the hitting keys, we just don't have the power. I think it's something we'll continue to build on.
"Ask me again in five weeks, and I'll tell you it's a strength," said Sinsabaugh.
The veteran coach's biggest concern is her team's consistency at the service line.
"Serving is my biggest concern right now," she said. "In our scrimmages, serving was our downfall. If we can't serve, we're just giving points away."
IAC SOUTH LARGE SCHOOL"I'd say Edison is going to our main competition," said Sinsabaugh.
"Newark Valley has a new coach. They may have a few growing pains early on, but I expect they will be tough by the end of the season," she noted.
"In the Small School, I think Candor is going to be near the top again, but Tioga's Des Ford always has a team to reckon with," Sinsabaugh added. "And, I know S-VE has a lot back, and I don't doubt (coach) Sarah (Heveland's) ability to get the most out of her team."
SECTION IV, CLASS C "Windsor is back in Class C, I think they will make a big impact," said Sinsabaugh. "They have a very strong coach, and I think they are the team to target.
"Susquehanna Valley graduated quite a bit, and I think Chenango Valley could be in a similar situation," she added.
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IN PHOTO 1: Waverly coach Kesha Sinsabaugh. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
