Last season, Oswego’s Sara Gilio was finding her way on the varsity level as a sophomore all the while dealing with a fractured foot she suffered in the middle of the season.
A year later, Gilio is hitting her stride. The junior outside hitter has started to catch up statistically with Dayton recruit Hannah Herrick, giving the Panthers a pair of stars on the left side.
“Hannah has always been somebody that I looked up to,” Gilio said. “We played with each other since we were little. Being able to compete with her is so amazing.
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“I think that we both contribute to the team’s success. It’s such a great opportunity for me, especially with where she’s going to college.”
Gilio gave it the college try Tuesday night, leading both teams with seven kills while serving four aces for the Panthers in a 25-12, 25-12 Southwest Prairie West win over rival Oswego East.
Herrick helped out Oswego (15-6, 4-2) with five kills and four aces. Ashley Crouch paced Oswego East (8-15, 2-4) with three kills. Tori Vlcek added two kills.
A hairline fracture in her foot cost Gilio a month last season, and when she returned right before the playoffs, she wasn’t quite herself yet. She was still shaking off some rust.
“She did what she could at that point,” Oswego coach Gary Mosley said of Gilio. “Watching her right now, she’s in a good groove. Her mindset is awesome.”
As is the case with many athletes, a common factor can unlock a player’s potential.
“I’d say it’s confidence,” Gilio said. “Last year, I was a sophomore and it was hard. I feel like it’s easier this year being a junior, knowing that I do belong here. It’s just a confidence thing.”
The results have shown as the season has gone on. Herrick leads the team with 191 kills, but Gilio is right on her heels with 174.
“It’s funny, you see it statistically as well,” Mosley said. “You’re starting to see her get comfortable.”
Herrick has seen the growth as well. Knowing she’s gone through the same things Gilio has at her age helps in being a mentor.
“It’s awesome,” Herrick said. “I love playing with her. She’s my little sister on the court. I love helping her out in every way, whether it’s getting her shots or being her emotional support on the court. I love it.”
Herrick has gone through the college recruiting process, so she’s a resource there too. Gilio is still uncommitted and flying under the radar but confirmed she’s in contact with some coaches.
“She’s always been somebody I can talk to,” Gilio said of Herrick. “We have the same work ethic.”
Herrick is also happy to help.
“I’ve experienced the stuff that she’s experiencing now,” Herrick said. “Guiding her through that is awesome because she’s such an amazing person and leader.”
While Gilio is cranking up her hitting stats, both in the front and the back, she’s been dominant at the service line. There was a stretch early in the second game Tuesday where she served five straight points, three of which were aces, as the Panthers built a 6-2 lead and never looked back.
“I love serving,” Gilio said. “It starts the play off, so it’s like the biggest thing. It’s so fun.”
Mosely has been thrilled to see all the work starting to pay off for Gilio.
“There aren’t many kids I’ve coached that are more coachable than her,” Mosley said. “She’s one of the humblest kids I’ve ever coached. You can just see her talent growing.
“She just stays hungry and aggressive. It’s a beautiful thing.”
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Mosley sees no reason why Gilio can’t reach the heights of Herrick when it’s all said and done.
“What her ceiling is? That’s up to her, man,” Mosley said. “People are sleeping on her. Somebody is going to find a diamond in the rough.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.