That's more like it
Erin DeMarco shared the setter position her junior year with Allison Bailey.
DeMarco was sometimes inserted into matches as a defensive specialist in an effort to get her more playing time.
"I would be nervous when I went in as a defensive specialist," she said. "I'm more comfortable at setter. That's my comfort zone."
DeMarco will be used exclusively at her favorite position this season. Her performance will go a long way toward determining if Libertyville (34-6) will be in position to defend its sectional title.
Last year, DeMarco was 633 of 653 with 238 assists. She had 75 service points, 19 of which were aces, and 31 digs. In the first match of the season Tuesday, DeMarco had 18 assists in Libertyville's victory over Hersey.
"More than anything, I feel I have the mindset of a setter," DeMarco said.
She will get no argument on that score from coach Chris Trzyna.
"She gets to so many balls and she's very consistent," Trzyna said. "She's comfortable working with different styles of hitters. She gives them the sets they need to be successful."
DeMarco is good at spreading the wealth around. Against Hersey, Leigha Bystol Amber Bryant, Maka Stewart and Emma Mach all had at least 3 kills.
"We have strong hitters at each position, which is really beneficial," DeMarco said. "That makes my job a lot easier."
DeMarco realized in her first year of club volleyball that her future in the sport would likely be at setter. She is listed at 5-foot-5, which makes her the third smallest player on the Libertyville roster.
"Everyone puts on an extra inch," DeMarco said with a smile. "I'm right under 5-foot-4."
Despite her size, DeMarco holds her own as a blocker. In addition, she uses her speed to get to passes other setters might not be able to reach.
She applies the same philosophy on defense. Against Hersey, DeMarco's hustle helped her keep alive a point where the ball had hit off the top of the gym.
"When she makes great plays like that it keeps our intensity up," senior libero Emma Melendez said.
DeMarco has demonstrated a keen understanding of where the opposing players are on the court. Three times against Hersey, she dumped the ball directly over the net for a Libertyville point.
"Sometimes I see the back-row players cheating closer to the line and I know there's a hole in the middle," she said.
When Libertyville struggled during a particular game, the Wildcats will often look to DeMarco for leadership.
"Her ability to direct and focus our team is very evident," Trzyna said. "She gets us back together when we stumble during a game. She brings a lot of intangibles to the floor."