Libby and Maggie Voliva raced each other during Andrean’s practice on Wednesday.
Which sister won? Ultimately, that’s beside the point.
“We’ve always been super competitive with each other,” Libby Voliva said. “We’re always trying to see who’s faster or who can throw farther or who can lift heavier. But I’d like to think that we’re pushing each other more than anything else.”
Pushing each other this season, junior infielder Libby Voliva and sophomore infielder Maggie Voliva have helped push Andrean all the way to the Class 2A state championship game.
Libby Voliva has been one of the most consistent hitters in her third varsity season for the 59ers (29-7), who will play for the fourth state title in program history and first since 2012 when they meet North Posey (28-0) at Purdue’s Bittinger Stadium in West Lafayette at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Libby Voliva has team highs with 50 hits, 31 RBIs and 11 doubles, and she ranks second with a .463 average. Maggie Voliva, a second-year varsity player, is hitting .349 with seven doubles and two home runs.
Andrean coach Glenn Eisfelder agreed with Libby Voliva that she and Maggie Voliva raise the bar.
“They challenge each other, and they push each other,” Eisfelder said. “But they play different positions, so it’s not like they’re competing for the same spot. But if one hits a double, then the next one wants to hit a triple.”
That dynamic allows Libby and Maggie Voliva to rely on each other for extra support too. For example, Maggie Voliva said she often struggles to find the motivation to go to the gym to work out, unlike Libby Voliva.
“She’s always the one who wants to go to the gym,” Maggie Voliva said. “I wouldn’t make it there as many times as I do if it weren’t for her.”
Meanwhile, Libby Voliva relies on Maggie Voliva’s fondness for batting practice.
“Sometimes I find it hard to just go out and hit,” Libby Voliva said. “I’d rather be taking ground balls.”
Of course, Libby and Maggie Voliva don’t always see eye to eye.
“We still fight,” Libby Voliva said. “Ask any of our teammates or our family members, and they’ll tell you that we do.”
But they recognize being teammates has benefited them. In the fall, Libby and Maggie Voliva were regional qualifiers in golf.
“We’ve never not played the same sport, and there’s always been a constant competition,” Maggie Voliva said.
Maggie Voliva knows she has been influenced in other ways.
“I always follow her example,” Maggie Voliva said. “With her attitude toward everybody else, she’s always been a positive role model for me.”
Libby Voliva sounded like a proud big sister while discussing Maggie Voliva’s work ethic.
“She’s constantly working hard and doesn’t make any excuses,” Libby Voliva said. “She’ll hold other people accountable, but she also holds herself accountable for everything she does, and she never settles for anything — ever.”
The state championship game will be another opportunity for Libby and Maggie Voliva to meet a challenge together.
“It’s been such a great experience coming here with my sister,” Maggie Voliva said. “I don’t think I could imagine being here without her.”
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
