The next step in the evolution of Mabrey Shaffmaster, at least in terms of her role at New Castle, was clear. A three-rotation hitter as a freshman, the 6-1 outside would step into a full-time role as a sophomore.

“Last year, I didn’t get to play in the back row because our passer was a senior and she was better,” Shaffmaster said. “I knew coming in this season I would be playing six rotations. I was working on my defense and serve receive and playing back row in club ball. Our coach (Sarah Roush) said my back row attacking could be a really big key for us because we have to have multiple options.”