2023 volleyball preview capsules

EDWARD LITTLE RED EDDIES
Coach: Scott Berube (first year)
Class: A; Conference: Kennebec Valley
Last year’s results: First year as varsity team.
Athletes: Seniors — Yolly San Pedro (libero, captain), Kayley Jones (M); Juniors — Kiara Bushman (OH, captain), Stella Smith (M); Sophomores — Lilly Merritt (M), Abbie Keep (M), Sophie Evrard (OH), Aihna Buna (OH), Sydney Reed (OH), Nellie Feeney (OH), Ruby Ayer (S), Miaja Bolduc (S).
Season outlook: The Red Eddies are in their first year as a varsity program after a few years competing as a JV team. Coach Scott Berube said “the team has had a great preseason, working hard and being patient formulating as a varsity team.” He added that the Eddies have a good balance of “role models in the upper class” and a large group of sophomore newcomers. Among the leaders are Yolly San Pedro, Kiara Bushman, Abbie Keep, Sophie Simard and Sydney Reed. Berube said Edward Little hopes to hit its stride by the midseason and finish the season strong.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER PATRIOTS
Coach: Gary Powers (fourth year)
Class: B; Conference: Western Maine
Last year’s results: 8-8, reached quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Mackenzie Gervais (S), Errow Hinckley (OH), Cassie Copertino (OH), Ayanna Dupree (Opposite/libero), Alana Harris (M).
Key losses: Lexie Blair, Ali Cohen.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Cali Stimpson (S/DS), Briella Beers (Opposite/Outside), Elle Thacker (M).
Season outlook: The roster is small, but that has allowed more court time for each player. The Patriots, in the program’s fourth year at the varsity level, return five players, but three are playing new positions. “We are starting to jell as a team and getting comfortable with each other,” coach Gary Powers said. “We have a solid seven and are working hard to get the newcomers up to speed playing at a varsity level.” Mackenzie Gervais and Errow Hinckley, now seniors, have been starters since their freshman year, which was Gray-NG’s first as a varsity program. The Patriots have been knocked out in the quarterfinals the past few years, and Powers said, “Our goal this year is to make it to the next round, play hard, and have fun.”

LEWISTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Nikki Pelletier (third year)
Class: A; Conference: Kennebec Valley
Last year’s results: 2-12
Returning athletes: Seniors — Kaitlyn Shannon (OH), Nadifo Heban (MB), Mika Torres (S), Kenzie Garcia (MB); Junior — Ella Gahagan (DS/S)
Promising newcomers: Senior — Aubrey Peer (DS/OPP); Juniors — Holland Clyburn (OH), Anabelle Poulin (OPP); Sophomore — Isabella Enos (OH), Ava Marquis (DS/OPP).
Season outlook: In its third season, the Lewiston volleyball program is looking stronger than ever, coach Nikki Pelletier said. Several players have been with the team from the start and are beginning their third season. Pelletier said the Blue Devils “are excited to have a more competitive season this year, and expect to make it back to the playoffs after missing them last season by one place in the standings.”