Linda Morton wasn’t asked to make the big hit last season for Lake Central coach Tina Tinberg.
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Tinberg had eight seniors who were expected to lead the charge for the Indians, and they did winning a sectional title for the second time in four seasons.
But with those players having graduated, Morton’s role as a senior this year has changed. Morton moved from middle blocker to outside hitter, and she’s taking the conference by storm.
Morton had a career-high 21 kills Sept. 6 against Michigan City. She’s second in the Duneland Athletic Conference with 152 kills for Lake Central (10-6, 3-2).
Big matches against LaPorte and Valparaiso this week will determine just how far relatively inexperienced Lake Central can go with Morton and co-captain Nicole Milaszewski leading the way.
Tinberg is confident in Morton’s abilities.
“We’re relying on Linda quite a bit,” Tinberg said. “She’s definitely our go-to player. She was part of my varsity crew last year, but she made the sacrifice to play middle.
“She’s finally on the outside now and she’s shining. She’s a definite source of confidence and experience, and she’s making the most of her opportunity.”
Morton said her junior year was about finding a role and doing it well.
“Playing with last year’s seniors taught me that everybody has a certain role on the team and you need to step up and play that role,” she said. “I definitely have one of the bigger roles on the team this year and it’s been my best season.
“I had my best (match) last week against Michigan City when I had 21 kills. I’m thankful for the role (Coach Tinberg) has given me.”
Tinberg said Morton earned the chance to be one of the team’s top hitters.
“She was one of our blockers last year but she didn’t stand out because we had so much ammunition with that team,” Tinberg said. “What’s great about her is she’s very coachable.
“She is mentally strong and if there’s anything I can stress about her is she doesn’t panic.”
Morton said that her team should not be overlooked just because they are inexperienced. These girls are hungry too.
“We’re definitely underestimated but we are committed to each other,” she said. “We might not have all these girls committed to major colleges, but we are improving and that’s what I’m proud of.”
Winning Warriors: Bishop Noll is off to its best start under coach Dave Rodriguez after beating Portage, Marquette, Kokomo and host Chesterton this weekend in wining the Chesterton Invitational. Brittany Anderson and Bella Kuechenberg were both named all-tournament, combining for 51 kills and 43 digs for the Warriors (14-1).
Red-hot Red Devils: Lowell won the Harrison Invitational by beating Christel Academy, Pioneer, Lafayette Harrison and Rochester for the title. Seniors Jordin Page (36 kills, 21 digs), Meagan Fitzgerald (30 kills) and Joselynne Bobos (18 kills, 17 digs, 10 assists) led Lowell (13-3).
Ryan Haskell is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
Top 10
With last week’s rankings in parentheses
1. Crown Point (1)
2. Munster (2)
3. Bishop Noll (4)
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4. Valparaiso (3)
5. LaPorte (9)
6. Michigan City (7)
7. Lake Central (6)
8. Lowell (8)
9. Andrean (5)
10. Hanover Central (NR)
Player of the Week: Bishop Noll junior Bella Kuechenberg had 83 kills, 24 aces, 52 digs and was 49-for-56 passing last week as the Warriors (14-1) rolled off six wins and increased their winning streak to 13 straight.