Lexington McKillips wanted to make a long-term impact on Antioch’s volleyball program.
After playing on the varsity for the first time last season, McKillips embraced her postseason chat with Antioch coach Greg Burns.
McKillips, an outside hitter, said she didn’t shy away from the challenge of being thrust into a bigger role for her senior season, production and becoming a leader.
“I felt it was really encouraging for him to ask me to step up,” she said. “I wanted to make an impact on my team that would be good, but not just for my final year. I wanted to make it last for years. Our program is getting built up, and more girls are trying out.
“I was really nervous, but I knew I needed to step up and improve and be that leader, someone our setter, Maiah Moll, could rely on.”
McKillips, a team captain, is proving her worth — on and off the court — for the Sequoits this season. McKillips tallied 10 kills and Maiah Moll had 20 assists to spark Antioch to a 25-19, 19-25, 25-18 win over Grant on Thursday in Northern Lake County play.
Burns said McKillips’ contributions extend to many facets for the Sequoits (19-5, 3-0).
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“She’s seeing the ball so much better, jumping and with high swings,” he said. “I talked to her last year about some stuff, leadership stuff, and she’s responded. She’s a smart player, works hard and does a good job.”
McKillips raised her season totals to a team-high 175 kills. Earlier this month, she had 45 kills to lead the Sequoits to first place at the Rockford Jefferson tournament.
She contributed two key kills late in the third game against Grant (8-8, 1-2) to help the Sequoits pull away.
The Sequoits leaned on McKillips numerous times during the match to slow down rallies by the Bulldogs. The Sequoits scored the first six points to cruise to a quick victory in the first game, but McKillips said the team had to readjust following a sluggish second game.
“I thought we were going to be in a fast match because we were playing well, but our defense was lacking a bit,” McKillips said. “We just needed to come together. We did in the third set.”
Despite a rough start, Grant rebounded behind strong net play from Jazzlyn Linbo. The junior middle hitter sealed the second-game win with a kill, finishing with a team-best 10 kills and three blocks.
Junior setter Grace Olszowka, in her first game since suffering an injury against Vernon Hills on Sept. 10, sparked Grant’s comeback with 29 assists. Junior libero Courtney Levy had 12 digs, and junior middle hitter Anelise Johnson tallied five kills.
“We’re a little inconsistent, especially on the outside,” Grant coach Michele Keenan said. “It was good to see Grace on the court and jumping. She did well.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.