Heavy Hitter
BUFFALO TWP — Before each Freeport volleyball match, Tori Radvan talks to former teammate and close friend Ally DeJidas via FaceTime.
“She gives me motivation,” said Radvan, a senior outside hitter for the Yellowjackets. “We're really close because we played softball together since we were 7 and played on travel teams all through the summers. I always looked up to her because she's a year older than me. I hope I'm making her proud.”
Radvan is certainly making an impact to be proud of, especially in the postseason while assuming DeJidas' spot at outside hitter.
DeJidas, an all-state player there, graduated after last season.
Radvan had 10 kills in Freeport's state quarterfinal win over Beaver Area Saturday.
In a first-round victory Tuesday, Radvan had nine kills in just two sets. She sat out the third set in the 3-0 sweep of Brookville.
Radvan has also excelled while playing other spots on the floor.
“She's a key component because she plays good defense and she's a very aggressive server,” said Freeport coach Tom Phillips. “She works hard in practice every single day. She brings a lot of heat from the outside. Sometimes I have to channel her down because she wants to hit the ball 100 miles per hour.
“We like her,” Phillips added, smiling. “That's for sure.”
Radvan missed her entire junior season because of a torn ACL in her left knee, but has been a force at the net for the Yellowjackets as a senior.
The knee is an afterthought.
“I feel it after, but not during the game because of the adrenalin,” Radvan said.
The injury allowed Radvan the opportunity to get stronger.
Her added power has shown up in the velocity of her spikes at the net.
“I had physical therapy three times a week for my knee, but during basketball season I worked out and did some upper body because I really couldn't do anything else,” Radvan said. “It helped with all the sports I play.”
It's been important for Radvan to play at a high level this season for the undefeated Yellowjackets, who play North Catholic at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the PIAA 2A semifinals at North Allegheny.
“My sophomore year I didn't hit at all,” Radvan said. “I passed for Ally in the back row. This year, I contribute more in the front row. It's nice to show I can hit the ball.
“I know I need to put the ball down,” Radvan added. “My team is counting on me to put the ball down.”
Radvan was a key member of the state title team in 2017.
She made several key plays in the championship game in helping Freeport claim the crown.
Radvan said she and her teammates have craved a return trip to the championship match since then.
And DeJidas had the best advice for her during one of their chats.
“She said, 'This could be your last time playing so play your heart out,'” Radvan said. “As a team we've talked about how this isn't going to be our last game. We've refused to lose.”
