WHEATON – McKenna Kelsay has almost 800 more assists than anyone else on the St. Francis girls volleyball team but the senior’s value to the Spartans extends far beyond her distributing prowess.

Perhaps even more striking, Kelsay’s 246 digs are within 10 of libero Sam Dubiel’s team lead, prompting veteran coach Peg Kopec to call Kelsay the best defensive setter she has ever coached. For a program of the Spartans’ caliber, that’s a mouthful.

St. Francis will seek to add to its rich volleyball tradition Friday when the Spartans face Champaign Centennial in an IHSA Class 3A state semifinal at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena.