Providence’s Abbey Knight has the timing and delivery of a natural showman.
The 6-foot-1 sophomore outside hitter came through Wednesday night with a keen understanding of the situation, letting her talent rise to the top while taking total control.
It’s like she builds up to the crescendo.
“I bring a lot of enthusiasm to the court,” Knight said afterward with a smile. “And that is what fuels our team and keeps us going, even when it sometimes gets difficult out there.
“I felt in the moment that it was time for me, that it was here, with us having a chance to do something we have not done in 22 years.”
Behind a better-than-good Knight with 11 kills, the Celtics powered to a 25-15, 25-23 victory over Marian Catholic in the Class 3A Kankakee Sectional championship match.
Providence (27-12), which captured its first sectional title since 2001, will return to Kankakee for the supersectional at 6 p.m. Friday against downstate Morton (29-7), a surprising 23-25, 25-22, 25-23 winner over Metamora.
Knight took control down the stretch against Marian (15-20), putting away six kills in the second game. She engineered a 7-2 run with three kills that closed the win for the Celtics.
The GCAC White’s player of the year, Knight combines elite size with athleticism, range and the ability to overpower the opposition.
“I think I am very smart with my shots,” she said. “I know what’s open and I know how to take advantage of that right away.”
Riding the momentum of Monday’s upset of second-seeded Tinley Park in the semifinals, the Spartans played a spirited match, taking Providence to the brink in the second game.
Junior outside hitter Olivia Helfen, who finished with eight kills, ignited the surge as Marian led by as many as eight points in the second game.
Sophomore setter Delaney Purtill, however, served three aces during a run of eight consecutive points to ignite Providence’s comeback.
Knight also praised senior libero Megan Houlihan.
“I have a really strong swing,” Knight said. “Luckily, I also have a libero in Megan who sets me up really well and always knows where I am.”
Houlihan said Knight’s game has evolved significantly from her precocious freshman season a year ago.
“I have never played with anybody with a louder voice who is also able to bring a smile the way she does,” Houlihan said. “It’s such an honor to be able to touch the floor with her.
“I know she is going to be great because of her work ethic. She puts in the time — four hours a day at the gym. She is always working on her craft.”
According to Houlihan, Knight has another special quality that goes beyond her playing abilities.
“It is amazing to know, even if I am not having my best day or not in the right mindset, she’s going to lift me up and keep cheering me on,” Houlihan said. “I don’t know how many times she did that (Wednesday night).”
Providence coach Lee Rucinski pointed out that Knight has the poise and command to never feel rushed or out of place.
“Last year, you saw even as a 14 or 15-year-old playing against 18-year-olds, she had the athletic gifts and mindset to dominate,” Rucinski said. “You saw that in the second game.
“When it came to crunchtime and we really needed her to step, she just elevated her game to the moment.”
Growing up with two older brothers, Knight learned how to assert herself.
“When I was younger, they’d shove me around,” she said. “I was just always competitive and always trying to get them down.
“Now, my confidence has definitely gone up, though I am still very humble. It’s shot through the roof. Every time I come up now, I feel like I am a better player.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.