The development of Lincoln-Way East’s Klarke Mosby has been accelerated early in the season.
So has the junior right-side hitter’s dancing.
Alaina Pollard and Kolby Ross, the Griffins’ power-hitting duo, have been nursing injuries so far this fall. Because of that, the left-handed Mosby has been getting in a lot more swings.
“She’s been really good,” Lincoln-Way East coach Sean Burns said of Mosby. “She’s really getting into a groove putting balls away for us. She’s doing a good job putting a load on her shoulders.”
Teammate Chloe Prainito likes Mosby’s power as well as her humor.
“She has some funny jokes,” Prainito said. “And she has some funny dances when we get points.”
There was plenty of dancing Tuesday night for the Griffins in a 25-12, 25-23 nonconference victory over winless Joliet Catholic in Frankfort.
Maddie Hellrung and Ross led the Griffins (6-4) with six kills apiece, while Prainito and Mosby each managed five. Mosby tallied three blocks and Prainito added 10 digs. Maggie Simon totaled 15 assists, with Brooklyn Ritter contributing nine.
The Angels (0-5) threatened to force a third game when Maddie Samolis served back-to-back aces to close their deficit to 24-23. Hellrung, though, ended the match with a kill.
The Griffins would like a better record than they have so far, but the Indiana-bound Pollard has only played in a few matches. A back injury has sidelined her, including for Tuesday’s matchup.
Burns hopes Pollard, a senior right-side hitter, can return to form next week. Ross, a sophomore outside hitter, also missed seven matches and is trying to find her rhythm for the Griffins.
At the same time, whether she’s hitting or dancing, Mosby wants to help Lincoln-Way East in any way that she can. Earlier this week, she announced her commitment to Eastern Michigan.
“I feel like I bring positive energy to the team,” she said.
Did she expect to have this big of a role to start the season?
“Yes and no,” Mosby said. “As a team, everyone has stepped up and done their role. I really like having a big role.”
The Griffins, who went 32-6 last season and a perfect 8-0 in the SouthWest Suburban Conference, have already have lost to Joliet West, Hinsdale Central, Downers Grove South and Benet.
Those four teams, however, have a combined 30-8 record. While there’s definitely no shame in losing to those programs, Lincoln-Way East was looking for a better outcome.
“Those close games that we lose are obviously hard,” Mosby said. “But we’ve been able to keep our energy high going into the next game and more with a killer mindset.”
Five years ago, Mosby started playing the sport at Noonan Academy. She also did basketball but thought she would try volleyball when a teacher gave her a flier seeking players to join the team.
Then, on Sunday, the 5-foot-11 Mosby locked up her college choice.
While she probably could have extended the recruiting process for another year, a visit to Eastern Michigan and an offer shut that down. She visited Illinois-Chicago and talked with other schools.
Her trip to Ypsilanti, however, made it a done deal.
“When I stepped on the campus, I really felt at home,” she said. “The players and coaches were really nice and really welcoming. I feel like I have known them forever, and that was a biggest part of me picking Eastern Michigan.
“I could have kept going through the recruiting, but Eastern Michigan had everything I wanted.”
Even though she hadn’t played volleyball for very long, Mosby has nurtured a love for the sport.
“I like being on a team and being so close to girls,” she said. “I’ve literally only know these girls for two years and I feel like I’ve known them my whole life.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Originally Published: