DeMaar in right place

Is Meg DeMaar a libero or an outside hitter?

“I don’t think anyone really knows right now,” the Glenbard West junior said with a smile.

Wherever she lines up, DeMaar is mighty valuable.

Tuesday night that included the service line, where DeMaar had 5 big aces in the No. 2 Hilltoppers’ 25-16, 25-17 win over Hinsdale Central in Glen Ellyn.

Hilltoppers coach Pete Mastandrea called it “just one game,” but the emotional look on his face suggested this one meant a little more.

Glenbard West is 13-0 but is still looking for its first West Suburban Silver title since 1984. This was a big first step against a Hinsdale Central team the Hilltoppers seniors have never beaten. Last year Glenbard West dropped a tough three-setter in Hinsdale, a match Mastandrea felt they let get away.

“We’re as solid as we’ve been as a lineup,” Mastandrea said. “We’re not going to celebrate this win. I’ve got some seniors that I think are hungry. We’re ready to go.”

DeMaar plays libero for her club team, and at her height, 5-foot-10, that is where her future is collegiately. But Mastandrea recently moved his dynamic junior to outside. Really, her value can be felt all over the court.

“Moving DeMaar outside, it just gives us another option,” Mastandrea said. “DeMaar’s serving was awesome tonight. She can help us in so many ways — her serving, her defense. She’s just a good player.

“I’ll fill any position they need me on this team,” DeMaar said.

DeMaar had critical service point runs in both sets to allow Glenbard West to pull away Tuesday.

The Hilltoppers trailed in the first 15-13 after Meghan McDowell’s kill for Hinsdsale Central, but got back serve on a Red Devils error. DeMaar rolled off six straight points, three on aces.

In the second it was 11-11, but after a Hinsdale Central net violation a DeMaar ace started a string of five straight points. A Megan Wagner kill, one of her match-high 10, also keyed the run. DeMaar had 5 kills, her running off-balance shot into the heart of Hinsdale Central’s defense giving Glenbard West match point.

Caleigh Ryan had 24 assists and 9 digs for Glenbard West.

“It’s such a great feeling — everybody played amazing,” DeMaar said. “Nobody can remember the last time we beat Hinsdale. It’s such a great feeling to do it for the seniors.”

Hinsdale Central (1-6), coming off its first win last Thursday against Waubonsie Valley, got a boost Tuesday morning. Middle Dominique Millett was cleared to return from a foot injury.

But the Red Devils were their worst enemy Tuesday night, giving Glenbard West 21 points off errors.

“This is our first time trying this lineup, with Dominique in there,” first-year Hinsdale Central coach Kelly Moran said, “but at the same time you can’t make that many errors in a match and expect to win.”

Lauren Fuller had 6 kills, McDowell 5 and Rachel Lenderman 10 digs for Hinsdale Central.