Wakefield volleyball
After becoming a big contributor as a freshman last year, Wakefield setter Kylie Sicking will again lead the Lady Wolverines' offense this fall.
Wakefield volleyball 'on the mend'
Before describing this year's Wakefield volleyball team, coach Cynthia Terrell made a headline suggestion to sum up the Lady Wolverines' fortunes — or rather misfortunes.
"How about something like, 'Wakefield, we're on the mend," she asked.
Those five words hit the proverbial nail on the head as the Lady Wolverines will be short-handed — thanks to injuries — to start the season.
Among a handful of bumps and bruises, Wakefield will also begin its schedule without Penn State-recruit Katie Slay — one of the most dominant players in the state — and sophomore Elizabeth Campbell.
The 6-foot-5 Slay and 6-foot-1 Campbell leave behind a big void, but the duo is expected to return to full strength this fall. Recovering from a broken ankle, Campbell could be back within the first few weeks, but Slay might be sidelined a little longer with a back issue.
"Our girls know that they are going to have to step it up until we get them back," Terrell said.
While any team would miss Slay and Campbell, the opportunity to play without them could be beneficial, giving several other Lady Wolverines a chance to work into the rotation. Plus, if Wakefield can survive the early stretch without them, the Lady Wolverines will receive a huge boast upon their return.
Wakefield will lean on seniors Julie Wenick and Molly Patton early, but the Lady Wolverines return several experienced underclassmen as well. Junior outsider hitter Catherine Coston, sophomore setter Kylie Sicking and sophomore sisters Bryn and Cally Pfeiffer should help keep the Lady Wolverines headed in the right direction.
Terrell lauded Sicking's on-the-court leadership, despite the fact she has only one year of varsity experience.
"She will have to run our team and run our offenses," the coach said. "She will have to learn how to play with everybody, and read the defenses.
"But she did well last year and should do even better this year."
Juniors Kelsey Mann, Leigh Lamonaca and Emily Atkinson and sophomore Grace Cho — who could play libero — should also be contributors.
Sophomore Lolade Owokoniran and freshman Lauren Saxby — the squad's lone freshman — have caught Terrell's eye with their preseason play.
Owokoniran, who stands 6-foot, could pick up the slack left behind by Slay and Campbell's injuries.
While Slay is undoubtedly Wakefield's best player, probably in the league, overlooking Campbell's absence would be a mistake.
Terrell said the middle blocker put together a great freshman year, but has still "improved 100-fold" since then.
Once the Lady Wolverines become healthy, the sky's the limit in the competitive Cap-7 Conference.
"We have just as good a chance as anybody in the conference," Terrell said "We are trying to pick up the pieces and fill some spots, but that's why our motto is "Teamwork makes the dream work."
"We have to play as if those two won't come back, but this group is willing to work hard. And it's just a matter of figuring out who goes where and who does what best."
Wakefield hosts Holly Springs Tuesday, Aug. 18, to open its season and travels to Knightdale Thursday, Aug. 20. Both matches begin at 6 p.m.
