NORMAL — Benet’s Sophia Youssef knew the path to playing time on a loaded team that had made three consecutive appearances in the Class 4A state championship match would be tough.
Add in the fact that Northwestern recruit Ellie Stiernagle was firmly established in Youssef’s primary position of setter, and Youssef had to be receptive to a role change.
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So the 6-foot-1 junior became a middle hitter for the first time in her life.
“Coming in and playing middle, you’re getting into it,” Youssef said. “Now it’s shifted into something more where I can contribute more and help out more because I’ve gained more experience and I’ve grown as a middle.”
Youssef was able to contribute in a big way Friday night, recording four blocks during Benet’s 25-23, 25-16 win over Lockport in the 4A state semifinals at CEFCU Arena.
Senior outside hitter Brooklynne Brass, a Maryland recruit, had nine kills and four blocks for the Redwings (39-2), who return to the state final for the fourth straight season to play East Suburban Catholic Conference rival Marist (33-8) at 8:55 p.m. Saturday. It will be a rematch of the 2024 state final that Marist won. But Benet won the regular-season meeting in October.
Senior outside hitter Bridget Ferriter led Lockport (33-8) with eight kills, and junior right-side hitter Hutsyn Timosciek added six kills.
Benet senior middle blocker Lynney Tarnow, a Wisconsin recruit who had seven kills, was impressed by Youssef’s performance.
“It’s a hard stage to play on, but she looked so comfortable, like she’s been playing it,” Tarnow said.
Having Tarnow and senior Molly Welge, a Marquette recruit, as teammates has been invaluable for Youssef.
“Lynney and Molly have been such a big help, being two of the best middles in the country,” Youssef said. “I get to learn from the best firsthand every day, so it’s awesome.”
Youssef’s ability to take reps in the middle when Tarnow isn’t up front also allowed the Redwings to move Welge from the middle to the right side, strengthening the collective unit.
“Molly is such a big contributor to the team,” Youssef said. “They put her on the right side, and we can get her a big block all the time. Having her with her amazing swings, you have to put someone else in there, and I was selected.”
Welge also can advise Youssef in real time, like she did against Lockport.
“Molly was like, ‘Shift your arm a little more, and you’ll get that block,’” Youssef said. “They give me little tips all the time.”
Tarnow was more than happy to take Youssef under her wing.
“She was really open to tips from the coaches or even from me,” Tarnow said. “As a senior, I think that’s special. It feels good to have someone asking you for help.
“At the end of the day, we all have more to learn. The fact that she took it so well, it’s really something that we look at as gracious and awesome. I’m happy for her and how well she’s adjusted.”
The Redwings’ stars get plenty of attention. But Benet assistant Jeff Steinberg knows that contributions from players like Youssef have helped the team reach this point.
“It’s a team effort all the way around,” Steinberg said. “Everybody plays a role on the team. Everyone matters. Everyone shows up in different ways and is ready to go.”
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Youssef certainly showed she was ready.
“Honestly, I’d call it a blessing,” she said. “Obviously, when I go in, I’m trying to do my best. Getting to execute is amazing.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter.