Kalli currently leads Class 7A with 35 service aces, and she enters the season as Lowndes’ senior setter and captain.

That combination says a lot about the pressure she can create. Setters are usually discussed in terms of assists, but Kalli is beginning rallies by forcing opponents into difficult first contacts before she ever has to run her own offense. Strong serving can make the defensive side of setting much easier: predictable passes create clearer blocking matchups and more transition opportunities. Add the leadership responsibility of directing the offense, and Kalli becomes involved in almost every strategic phase of a match. Her ability to control tempo from both the service line and the setter position gives Lowndes a valuable senior presence. ~ S.Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast_prepdigga