When senior outside hitter Sydney Wagner missed the first six matches of the season with an ankle injury, something was missing for West Aurora.

The Blackhawks suffered through a 2-4 start, and her absence was clearly felt. But since Wagner has returned to the fold, a more complete team has become the best version of themselves.

“I felt like I was stuck and I couldn’t do anything about it,” Wagner said. “I just wanted to get back in there with my team. It felt like a spark. Everybody’s connection was there.”

Wagner put together a signature performance at the right time Tuesday night with 14 kills as West Aurora pulled off a dramatic 25-23, 22-25, 25-23 Upstate Eight Conference win at South Elgin.

Although Wagner led the Blackhawks (18-8, 6-0) in kills, Natalie Mitchell added nine a

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