Versatile Tulacka Does a Little of Everything for DG North

Downers Grove North's Jessie Tulacka is 6-2 and really enjoys pounding volleyballs to the floor. But the Trojans' junior doesn't mind setting up a teammate to do just the same.

It's a good thing Tulacka is good at doing both tasks quite well on the volleyball court as the Trojans are using Tulacka and fellow junior Taylor Kasal in both roles in the team's offense this fall.

The results so far have been solid as the Trojans knocked off Naperville Central early on and then played highly regarded Benet Academy down to the wire last week in the state-ranked Redwings' own gym. There will be some growing pains, as evidenced by a disappointing loss to Oak Park-River Forest in the team's conference opener, Sept. 7, but Downers North appears ready to build on last season's 27-win success.

"I love when people get kills after I've set them," said Tulacka, who has started on the Trojans' varsity squad since her freshman year. "I just get so excited."

After trying out as a setter upon her arrival on campus, Tulacka ended up starting as a right-side hitter the past two seasons. The versatile player also played outside hitter for her club team last season.

"It's different this year, but I do touch the ball more in the game," said Tulacka, who has played as a setter in the past in club competition. "I think they're both rewarding — setting and hitting."

Trojans coach Mark Wasik knows it may take a little time before everything clicks for his team, but with Tulacka and the 6-1 Kasal each playing vital roles, he's confident the Trojans have some strong volleyball ahead of them this season.

"The leadership is still developing," Wasik said after North dropped its conference opener to OP-RF 26-24, 25-20. "Hopefully we'll use this to our advantage in the long run.

"The offense we're running right now literally relies on Jessie and Taylor to do a little bit of everything. They're setting. They're hitting outside and they're hitting right side."

Tulacka agrees with her coach in believing that better days are just around the corner for the Trojans.

"Our goal is to win conference and I think we'll get better and better each game," she said. "We'll keep getting stronger with more experience and I'll get more used to this (role)  and we'll flow together as a team."

Getting better at setting up her teammates does not mean Kulacka will pass on her chances to swing away and record a powerful kill.

"It's still an awesome feeling," she said.