Heading into the season, Haidyn Schatz had expected to be a major focal point for Burlington Central. Several key standouts graduated from last year’s team, and Schatz was named captain.
The Rockets are certainly putting her to work, according to coach Julia Smagacz.
“She has been really stepping up as a point scorer, as a defender,” Smagacz said of Schatz. “She doesn’t come off the court. I don’t think she’s come off the court this whole season.”
The six-rotation senior outside hitter has been filling up the stat sheet all season long, too. She came through again Thursday night in a rousing 25-17, 21-25, 25-22 Fox Valley Conference win over Jacobs, avenging a three-game loss on the road last month to the Golden Eagles.
Schatz finished with nine kills, 13 digs and three aces to lead Burlington Central (14-9, 6-6). Ainsley Wilson also tallied nine kills, while Peyton Strout had seven kills and three blocks. Freshman outside hitter Joselyn Johnson added five kills, all coming in the decisive third game.
Layla Merlin paced Jacobs (10-14, 5-7) with seven kills. Hailie Barton had eight blocks, four kills and three aces. Maddie Mitchell also contributed with five kills.
Schatz offers up more of a lead-by-example vibe than being the rah-rah type, and that’s served her well as she’s produced in every facet of the game this fall for the Rockets.
“I just like to play the role that is there,” Schatz said. “If that’s what I need to do, get set and get kills, that’s what I want to do. Whatever helps my team.”
Smagacz was confident that Schatz could handle a starring role, particularly because of her calm, steady demeanor.
“She’s not flashy,” Smagacz said. “She’s not super loud. But she is going to show you what needs to be done with her actions. That’s why she was elected a captain. She leads by example.”
Schatz has even turned into more of a scoring threat from the back row, too.
She had two kills from the back row in the decisive third game Thursday night, and Smagacz said the Rockets have had no problem going to her in that manner all season.
“We have been relying on her quite a bit,” Smagacz said. “If the passes aren’t quite there, it’s good that we have her there. She’s been producing so well.
“We lost a lot of seniors, so to see her step up as a major point scorer for us has been awesome.”
As was the case in the first matchup, though, Jacobs rallied and put the pressure on the Rockets. During a timeout in the second game, Barton pulled the team together and had a message
“She’s one of the soft-spoken ones,” Jacobs coach Michael Depa said of Barton. “She came out and said, ‘We talk about wanting to come out, be loud on the court and talking, but we need to show up and do it.’
“Then it turned around.”
Barton delivered a big block as part of a 6-0 run, forcing a 13-13 tie and eventually a third game.
Ultimately, the Rockets held on, giving Schatz another win before her career wraps up. She isn’t planning on playing in college, choosing to focus on academics, so each match now is precious.
“I don’t think it’s really hit me yet,” Schatz said. “I don’t think it will until senior night. I just want to get all the wins we can get.”
If this really is the end of Schatz’s playing career, Smagacz is happy how it’s going for her.
“She’s been so impactful,” Smagacz said. “If this is her last season, I’m glad she’s going out on a really high note.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
