The similarities between Deerfield senior setter Sam Weissenberg and her younger sister Makayla on the volleyball court are obvious.
They share an energetic style, athleticism and the ability to be a difference maker in all aspects of the game, and they have been key factors in Deerfield’s stunning start this season, their first together.
That was even more clear Monday as the Weissenbergs left the court together and reentered together in Deerfield’s 6-2 offense during a match against Maine West.
“The Weissenberg sisters return to the lineup” was repeated several times throughout Deerfield’s 22-25, 25-20, 25-15 comeback win in Central Suburban League North play in Des Plaines.
Due to a minor finger injury, Sam Weissenberg’s status for Monday’s match had been in doubt. She suffered the injury during a loss to Joliet Catholic on Saturday, and that prompted the Warriors (18-2, 1-0) to switch from a 5-1 to a 6-2 to accommodate her. It led to the sisters playing just three rotations.
“We usually stay on the court for all six rotations, so it was different today,” Sam Weissenberg said. “But the team adjusted well together. It was tough coming back today with an injury. Also, the mental part of it is not always easy. But the team helped me get back in it. We played like a team, and the energy got me back into the game.”
Despite the sisters’ similarities, the 5-foot-5 Sam Weissenberg is 4 inches shorter, which is much discussed.
“I definitely did not get the height in the family,” Sam Weissenberg said, joking. “People also say we look alike, but honestly I don’t see it at all. But our personalities are similar, and we just get along very well.
“It’s a nice connection between us with similar interests, and we’ve been playing together for many years. It’s so nice to be on a team together. It’s about building that connection, working on the little things. I was hoping throughout my high school career that I would be able to play with her.”
Makayla Weissenberg, a sophomore outside hitter who is a force at the net, said she’s thrilled to be playing her first varsity season with her sister.
“I’m just so fortunate to play with her in her last year,” she said. “It’s been really fun. Samantha started club in seventh grade, and that prompted me to start playing volleyball, so we have that connection as well.”
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Deerfield coach Jonathan Bolek said the Weissenbergs are part of the foundation that has made this season so special. The Warriors won the Libertyville Crosstown Classic and placed second at both New Trier’s Summer’s End Tournament and the 16-team Niles West Invitational over the weekend.
At Niles West, Makayla Weissenberg finished with 28 kills, 17 digs and four assists in five matches, and Sam Weissenberg had 80 assists, 19 digs and eight aces.
“They’re great teammates and players and very coachable,” Bolek said. “They have some sort of connection. They’ve had practice reps and always work together in training. It’s great to see it all coming together. Both adjusted well from a 5-1 to coming out for three rotations in the 6-2 tonight, but still being able to have a rhythm in the game and still be productive.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.