Stagg’s Ella DeBow has been the copilot this season for rising star Katy Zumerchik.
DeBow offered some key assistance Wednesday night to Zumerchik, a freshman outside hitter. But they weren’t the traditional assists that come from the deft fingers of an experienced setter.
No, these assists were verbal.
“She always knows where to put the ball,” Zumerchik said of DeBow, a senior outside hitter. “I hear her when I am up to swing. She is always telling me where to go and where to hit it.
“She will tell me to hit the ball on the line or wherever.”
With help from DeBow’s cues, Zumerchik came through with 16 kills for the host Chargers during a 25-27, 25-23, 25-21 nonconference victory over Richards in Palos Hills.
DeBow and Amelia Kadamus also added seven kills apiece as Stagg (5-13) ended up snapping a three-match losing streak.
Peyton Craan led Richards (12-8) with nine kills. Senior libero Kailey Moore had two dramatic aces to close out the first game for the Bulldogs, who had a three-match winning streak snapped.
According to DeBow, it was a huge win. Although the final game had the widest margin, Stagg was in trouble, trailing 11-4 and 16-11 before DeBow and Kadamus sparked the rally with four kills.
“We had a program sweep, so I’m really happy that everyone in the program had a win,” DeBow said. “It brings a lot of momentum for our next games.”
DeBow has worked hard in becoming an all-around player for the Chargers. Heading into Wednesday’s match, she led the team with 27 aces and was second with 84 digs.
“She has that player mentality,” Stagg coach Peggy Clemens said. “She always wants to compete and she always wants to win. She’s been on the team since she was a sophomore.
“This is definitely her biggest year so far in taking on a leadership role, on and off the court. She’s the one who brings the intensity for us with her competitiveness.”
DeBow doesn’t overcomplicate her leadership role, either.
“Everyone was ready to play as a team and came together,” she said. “We had that drive and intensity to keep us going.”
With Stagg down by five points, Clemens could see that when she burned her last timeout. The Chargers responded with seven straight points to take an 18-16 lead.
“They actually believed in themselves,” Clemens said. “That’s something we talked about this whole season. We have the ability to come back no matter what.
“I tell them there is no time limit in volleyball, so why not play on? That last time out that I called, they really took it to heart. I’m very proud of them for that.”
DeBow, who said she will not pursue volleyball in college, is trying to have fun this season.
“And I want to play my heart out,” she said.
DeBow thinks Stagg will be in good hands after she leaves, especially with the emergence of her copilot — Zumerchik.
“We love our freshman,” DeBow said. “She is obviously such a great player and brings such a good energy to the court, and she’s always positive. We love it. She’s great to have on the team.”
DeBow and her teammates had a lot of fun with the come-from-behind win to complete the match. She hopes more success is in store.
The rally featured some long rallies, and that’s why the Chargers celebrated after the match.
“We had really good rallies and points where it was super close and played full out,” DeBow said. “And we won the points. It’s the greatest feeling.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
