Callahan sets up the Saints

CEDAR RAPIDS - The setter is one of the most underrated positions in volleyball.

Junior captain Jessica Callahan has worked up the ranks at Xavier to earn her spot at this position.

'The setter is a critical part of the team,” Coach Katie Bailey said. 'It's like the quarterback on a football team. Without her, we can't run an offense.”

Instead of throwing a football to a wide receiver to score a touchdown, Callahan sets the volleyball for her teammates to get the kill. In past seasons, she has been on the right side of the court looking for the opportunity to score. This year, Callahan has embraced the task of being the setter for the Saints.

'I love the feeling of my hitters getting a kill when I have a good set, but I wish I could still hit, too,” Callahan said.

Callahan had to put away most of her scoring instinct when taking on a full-time role at the position. However, this does not mean she has no opportunities to score. Callahan is able to be tricky with her opponents by dumping or tipping the ball. This is a good strategy to keep the opposing team guessing when they are usually expecting Callahan to set it up to one of her teammates.

Callahan has 554 assists and averages 7.29 assists per set. She leads the team in both categories.

Xavier host Linn-Mar tonight at 7 before embarking on regional play next week.