Girls volleyball: Bair brings excitement to Glenbard South's game

Glenbard South's Maggie Bair still has a few rough edges to her volleyball game.

"I'm a terrible server," the 6-foot-3 junior said.

However, when it comes to hitting, blocking, digging and passing, there are few who can equal her.

Bair had 20 kills, 4 blocks and a slew of digs to lead Glenbard South to a 26-24, 21-25, 25-21 victory over IC Catholic Prep on Tuesday in Elmhurst. Three of her kills came in the latter stages of the third set to help the Raiders pull away after nursing a 20-18 lead.

"I like the excitement (of volleyball)," said Bair, better known as one of the area's top basketball players. "I like being on a team.

"Basketball is a little different because you cheer for a second, then you have to go back and play defense. In volleyball you can cheer, say 'Good job' and take some time with each other. It's nice to have that moment of excitement before we have to start over."

Bair provided plenty of moments. She provided a pair of kills to help Glenbard South (7-7. 3-1 in the Metro Suburban Blue) rally from a 21-19 deficit in the first set, then sandwiched two kills around block to help the Raiders build a 19-13 advantage in the third.

"We didn't play our best game today, but our kids battled," Glenbard South coach Chad Grant said. "Obviously, Maggie made a big difference. It's very nice to have her around. We're still working on her serve. She just got off to a rough start."

For IC Catholic Prep (5-6, 2-2), it was another rough finish. The Knights rallied from a 17-15 deficit to take the second game but faltered midway thought the third.

"We've struggled with the third game so far this season," IC Prep coach Nancy D'Amore said. "I don't know if it's our youth, but it's something we have to work on for sure."

IC Prep started three freshmen, including setter Sophie Hart, 6-3 middle hitter Kaya Hood and Kristen Brachmann.

"I really like how our freshmen are playing," D'Amore said. "They're stepping up. There are moments where the freshman comes out, but overall play they're doing their jobs. And our libero (sophomore Bella Leslie) is a first-year varsity player. She's getting better every day."

Sadie Camfield distributed 36 assists for Glenbard South, which also got 15 kills, 1 block and 3 aces from Maya Stovall, 8 kills from Beth Kohl and 4 kills from Kathleen Millett.

Leslie added 18 digs and 2 aces for the Knights, who also got contributions from Nailah Landon, Olivia Hurt, Josie Lytton and Sophie Zanoni.