The “Go, Mila, Go” chants started about halfway through the first game.
By the end of the match, they were followed by “Whoo-hoos” and other exclamations of adoration.
Without a doubt, Marian Catholic senior Milana Popovic felt like a rock star Tuesday night.
“Yeah, they are the biggest supporters here,” Popovic said with a big smile. “The Marian student section can’t be beat. I’ve been on this team for so long, and there was always a superstar player.
“It’s a breath of fresh in my last year when everyone is chanting my name. It warms my heart.”
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She gave them plenty to shout about during the Spartans’ shocking 27-25, 25-9 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory over Joliet Catholic in Chicago Heights.
Popovic finished with 11 kills and seven digs for Marian Catholic (4-11, 1-1). Tiana Bradley added six blocks and four kills, while Sarah Gordon made 12 digs and Cassandra Cross dished 13 assists.
Olivia Chovanec chalked up three kills for Joliet Catholic (10-6, 0-1). Jessica Horn contributed 12 assists, while Ava Neushwander added three kills and six digs.
Popovic, a 5-foot-8 outside hitter, is by far the most experienced player that first-year coach Hannah Krydynski inherited from last season.
And Popovic was a hands-down choice to be the team leader.
“We did chat about that at the beginning of the year, especially when we were figuring out where we were going to have her on the court,” Krydynski said. “That’s when we made the decision to have her at outside and play all the way around as the captain.
“For Mila, it’s all about the game and pushing her teammates to be the best that they can be. She’s a great role model on and off the court.”
Popovic was seemingly here, there and everywhere for Marian Catholic throughout the match against Joliet Catholic.
But she took leadership at the most important time at the end of Game 1.
The Spartans trailed 25-24 when Popovic blasted down a kill from the back row. It was followed by two unforced errors by the Angels.
In Game 2, Popovic had three kills during a service run by Gordon that turned a 3-2 deficit into a 13-3 lead.
The “Whoo-hoos” were aplenty.
“This win feels so good,” Popovic said. “This is one of the few times we’ve really put it together. It was just a lot of fun on the court.
“It’s been a struggle, but I know these girls. We have so much potential and so much talent. I’m confident that I’m able to lead them to where we want to be.”
They are eagerly listening too.
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“Mila is an enormous leader,” Bradley said. “She really encouraged me to be big up on the net and express myself on the court.”
Bradley, a senior middle hitter, didn’t make the varsity last season. She blocked with the confidence of a four-year varsity starter against the Angels.
“Mila has been a big help to me,” Bradley said. “She has been someone to talk to and go to for advice. She is just very encouraging and an amazing team member in everything. I love playing with her.”
Popovic is in her last season playing volleyball — at least indoors.
In college, she’ll be playing beach volleyball for UTEP.
“I’ve been playing beach volleyball just about as long as I’ve played court,” Popovic said. “Things just worked themselves out.
“With my club team (Team One), we travel all over and play, and it’s really exciting. There are a lot of big tournaments and towns. I love beach volleyball.
“But my heart is also here on the court at Marian.”