Sixteen wins and no losses.

And while the Eagles earned a Section VI Class D championship on the volleyball court, they never got an opportunity to see if they were the best team in New York state.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association canceled regionals and state championships for all sports last year, taking what could’ve been a once-in-a-lifetime chance from the girls in North Collins.

Gone is star hitter Deanne Wilson, who head coach Dave Burgstahler relied on calling her “like having another coach.”

Panama’s Sarah Harvey “has really improved” according to head coach Tammy Hosier. P-J file photo

“She brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. Not only did she play for six years on varsity, but she was playing club volleyball at the national level,” Burgstahler said Monday evening, a little more than a week before North Collins opens its title defense against Silver Creek. “She was a great passer, defender, excelled with her digging and was a majority of our offense. … Now we have to fill all of those spots.”

Setter Makenna Williams and middle hitter Karissa Spicola were also lost to graduation.

“There was so much continuity with Makenna so your middles can run quick balls confidently,” Burgstahler said about his veteran setter. “Makenna had the physical ability and she was so positive and motivating.”

The Eagles still return some valuable pieces.

Senior starters Mckenna Rice and Michaela Rice are back with classmates Heather Niefergold and Frederique Stephens. Sophomore Cate Ayers also figures to be a big piece.

“The setting position is big. We have Michaela Rice on the outside, and she can set, but then we give up some of her strength,” Burgstahler said.

“Cate Ayers was our libero last year and Holly Niefergold can do it. We just have to find the best fit in each position.”

Eighth-grader Zoey Kreinheder could also crack the starting lineup, or at least be one of Burgstahler’s first options off the bench.

“We have some rebuilding to do, but we have experience from going as far as we did last year,” Burgstahler said. “We aren’t going to walk in like we did last year and automatically be the favorite everywhere we go. With effort, and a good attitude from everybody on the team, I think we’ll be alright.”

Tammy Hosier is also dealing with replacing valuable pieces at Panama, which lost to North Collins in the Class D final.

“We have a core group, but every year it’s new kids,” Hosier said Monday following a scrimmage against Fredonia. “You just have to keep working hard to be as successful as you can by playing as a team.”

The Panthers graduated Ashlyn Harvey, who is playing softball at Mercyhurst; Marra Hovey, who is playing volleyball at Houghton; and Maddie Johnson, who is setting at Jamestown Community College.

“They are big shoes to fill,” Hosier said. “It’s how you respond and who steps up to that next level.”

Multi-sport star Mandy Brink, Jo Bailey and Sarah Harvey will become even more important for Panama this fall.

“Mandy is more than likely going to be our setter, but she can hit and is one of my best serve receivers,” Hosier said. “Jo is going to be a force in that front row and Sarah has really improved.”

Lilly Odell, Meadow Meredith, Kylie Morgan, Madkenzie Greene, Maddie Lisciandro and Corinne Hovey will also see time for the Panthers.

“Corinne will be the libero. She’s quick and will fill her sister’s role,” Hosier said, adding about Meredith, “she’s a senior this year and has always been a role player, but she’s stepping up this year. She really wants to be out there on the court and it shows.”

During the offseason, Panama played in a summer league and also traveled to a camp at Fort LeBoeuf, where the Panthers surprised Hosier.

“This team rises to the occasion,” she said.

The veteran coach will find out starting today when her Panthers travel to Randolph for a nonleague match.