When Libertyville senior setter Jaimie Marquardt looked across the net during the Class 4A Barrington Supersectional on Friday, she could see her future.

The host Fillies’ front line features players close to the height and strength of the opponents the Iowa commit will face in the Big Ten.

“They are big and good,” Marquardt said.

Too good, at least in this match, as Barrington won 25-11, 25-21 to advance to the state semifinals.

“We were going to have to be at our best to beat them but never really got into the right rhythm,” Marquardt said. “I know a lot of their players, and they deserve all the accolades they get. I hope they win it all downstate.”

Marquardt was playing in her first supersectional for the Wildcats (30-10), who won their first sectional title since 2019 on Wednesday. As usual, her hustle and determination led the way.

“I have known Jaimie a long time, and she’s my close friend, but anyone can see watching us play how important she is to this team,” Libertyville senior outside hitter Hannah Fleming said. “We don’t get this far or win as many matches as we have this season without Jaimie.”

Marquardt came to Libertyville as a defensive specialist. But the Wildcats needed a steady hand running the offense, and the coaching staff picked Marquardt to be the setter.

She did not disappoint, finishing her Libertyville career with a 102-29 record and four North Suburban Conference titles.

Libertyville coach Greg Loika had to pause for a moment while talking about Marquardt’s impact on the program.

“Jaimie is such a special player who cares about her teammates so very much,” Loika said. “She plays the game with all her heart, and we are definitely going to miss her as a player and as a person. She’s an awesome individual.”

Marquardt saved her best season for last, recording 659 assists, 87 kills and 195 digs.

“Jaimie has put the team on her back at times this season and willed them to win,” Loika said. “There really wasn’t a pass she couldn’t track down to set no matter where it was on or off the court.”

The Wildcats’ loss to Barrington (35-5) might be the last time Marquardt plays as a setter. She expects to be a libero for Iowa.

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“That’s the position I play for our club team, and that’s what I was recruited to play at Iowa,” she said. “I can’t wait to get (to Iowa) this summer and see what I can do on the next level.”

Barrington senior setter Jenna Meitzler will join Marquardt at Iowa. They play together for Sky High during the offseason.

“It’s amazing that we both are going to the same college after playing at the same club, and then we played against each other in a big match like (Friday),” Marquardt said. “It’s going to be a challenge playing in such a tough conference like the Big Ten, but we are looking forward to it.”

Marquardt isn’t looking too far ahead yet, though.

“This loss is going to hurt for a while, but we can be proud of what we accomplished this season,” she said. “I don’t think anyone thought we could make it this far at the beginning of the season when we lost so many seniors from last year.

“It proved how hard this team worked to be the best it could be. It has been a fun ride. I just can’t believe it’s over.”

Darren Day is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.