Last year, on her 17th birthday, Chloe Gollaher came off the bench to lead Waubonsie Valley to an upset victory over Metea Valley.
Thursday, on the day before her 18th birthday, the senior outside hitter was at it again, only this time she’s not a bench player anymore. She’s one of three team captains for the Warriors.
And she’s also the focal point of their offense.
“I knew I had to step up in leadership and having the girls be able to trust me,” Gollaher said. “I also trust the girls. I have to be a supportive figure on our team.”
Gollaher brought that positive energy, producing six kills, a block and an ace as visiting Waubonsie rallied for a 21-25, 25-19, 25-18 DuPage Valley Conference victory over the Mustangs in Aurora.
Addilyn Candrian tallied a match-high 13 kills for Waubonsie (12-9, 4-2). Anna Axelsen and Annabelle Black each had six kills. Allyse King paced Metea (13-16, 1-5) with eight kills, while Ishana Harish and Olivia Stewart added six kills apiece and Eileen Wilson served four aces.
Leadership was something Gollaher really focused on in the offseason. First-year coach Noel Soto recognized that aspect during summer camp.
“She’s definitely one of our primary players,” Soto said. “She’s been huge as far as being a leader as a captain as well. We have another young outside, a sophomore. Zoe (Kraslen) is learning and she’s teaching her. Zoe is going to take that torch and carry it next year.
“She’s had a tremendous amount of growth this year, and Chloe is a big part of that.”
Gollaher is joined by Olivia O’Hara and Hailee Pietryk as captains for Waubonsie. Gollaher said they all offer different skills and leadership styles.
“I’m very big on giving the team energy and stuff like that,” Gollaher said. “Liv is good at settling us down. Hailee brings that grit and determination.”
That grit and determination has been needed all season by the Warriors. The vast majority of their matches have gone three games.
“That’s what these girls are — they’re the cardiac crew,” Soto said. “I told them in the huddle, ‘You’re not happy unless you’re going three.’ It builds grit. That’s exactly what we need for the playoffs.”
That grit was on display once again Thursday. After dropping the first game, Waubonsie pulled away late in each of the next two to come back for the win.
Metea coach Dave Macdonald lamented the fact that his team, which snapped a 12-match losing streak against DeKalb the last time out, couldn’t put away Waubonsie.
“We fought,” Macdonald said. “I think that’s the biggest thing with our girls. We just keep fighting. When we were in a tailspin, they could have easily said, ‘Hey, we’re done.’
“They show up every day and fight. Our biggest thing is getting ready for October and ruining some other people’s conference dreams.”
The Mustangs won the past two DVC titles but have hit a rough patch of late.
“We put that bulls-eye on our back, which we own, but also what comes with that is the responsibility of living up to that,” Macdonald said.
This run, meanwhile, is the end of the line for Gollaher’s volleyball career. She’s focusing on her future major, communication disorders, rather than finding a volleyball home in college.
“It’s bittersweet because I’ve been playing for seven years between club and school,” Gollaher said. “I think this is a great way to end it. I love all of these girls with all my heart.”
With two more home matches to go, she knows Tuesday’s senior night against DeKalb will be a roller coaster of emotions.
“Lots of crying,” Gollaher said. “I’ll be walking out with my parents bawling my eyes out.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.