Over the past few seasons, Grace Bach has put together a fine volleyball career at South Elgin.
The senior middle hitter totaled 97 kills last year under Jesse Bossenga, who was in her first season taking over after the only coach the program had ever known, Joni Plach, retired.
Despite her relatively strong success, Bach realized there was more to her game to unlock. That led to a major decision to switch club teams and head to Fusion in the offseason.
“I needed a change,” Bach said. “It just got me stronger as a player and everything. Honestly, it made me the player that I am now. If I was still playing at the level I was before, I totally would have been a different player.
“I felt like I was a lot more skilled overall after I played for Fusion.”
Bach played for Fusion’s top team heading into her senior season, and that has helped her take another step as a player. And it also has allowed her to have dominant bursts of effort.
One of those Bach outbursts happened Thursday night for the Storm during the second game of a 25-23, 25-18 nonconference loss to Lake Park.
After squandering an early lead in the first game, South Elgin (2-1) came out flat in the second game and trailed 12-3. Bach pull the Storm out of that funk with a dramatic block and a kill.
That cut the deficit to 16-13, but South Elgin never got closer than those three points.
Bach and Brianna Decheva paced a balanced attack for South Elgin with four kills apiece. Alena Amel added two kills and an ace, while Paige Genke served a pair of aces.
Brooke Olejniczak led Lake Park (3-0) with eight kills. Aaliyah Cage added six kills.
Making sure a motivated Bach gets involved in the offense is a big key to the Storm’s success.
“We have a lot of strength in the middle with Grace and Alena,” Bossenga said. “If we can get the ball to them, good things are going to happen for us. You saw that, especially in that run in the second game where we were able to push the ball to them.
“Let them do their thing and attack the ball and really give us a lot of energy.”
Indeed, Bach was vocal when trying to get her team back into the match.
“I was over there every single chance I could saying, ‘Push me, push me,’” Bach said.
Considering the caliber of play Bach experienced in the offseason after making the switch to Fusion, featuring her in the middle seems like a good course of action for the Storm.
“I was playing with a higher level of teammates in general,” Bach said. “It was a really good (club) season. I am so happy with my decision.”
Bach was blunt with her assessment of her role as a junior for South Elgin.
“I contributed really well,” Bach said. “It was a rough season with our energy and everything, but at the same time, I felt like on the court I was a leader. I was still a strong player, a good middle.
“I’ve definitely improved so much since then.”
Bossenga has noticed the difference.
“That was great for her, really good experience,” Bossenga said. “She’s coming into her own now from just having that experience and exposure. She had to figure out how to compete at that level.
“It’s been great for us. That helps keep us playing at the level that we need to.”
Bach hopes that helps as the season goes on.
“We have a really good connection,” Bach said. “Honestly, what we have to do right now is keep our energy strong and have a stronger mindset all the time.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
