Because Brooke Holland, Kelsey Lochstampfor and Taylor Snipes play on the front row, Chattanooga Christian's senior volleyball players would seem equipped to be able to handle a tall order. However, height was of no help in their dilemma at the start of the high school season.
Because of how they handled that tall order, however, those three and their teammates now are gladly trying to deal with the confrontations of postseason.
The Lady Chargers (34-13) play Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. EDT in a Region 3-AA semifinal against Upperman in Livingston, Tenn. Notre Dame plays host Livingston Academy at 4. The championship match is set for 7.
During the summer the Lady Chargers had some uncertainty regarding their coaching situation. Kenny Engels coached them last year but struggled with a decision to return because of a family situation and ultimately ended up leaving.
Current coach Katy Caine said she was contacted by athletic director John Visser as far back as the spring about the job, but with the understanding that it was Engels' until he said otherwise.
By the time Caine was able to move into the position, the TSSAA's first day allowing practice, July 26, was nearing. Lochstampfor's mother, Elysa, works at Covenant College, where the Lady Chargers had been scheduled a little before that to participate in a camp. Basically, the seniors were in charge.
"It was a little weird at first," Kelsey Lochstampfor said, "but we remembered being freshmen and looking up to the seniors then."
Caine showed up but could do nothing but observe at that time.
"That was the first time I saw any of them play," she said. "That told me a lot right there. I thought, 'This is going to be easier than I thought.' They're so talented. They're good leaders, and very humble about it, too."
Lochstampfor leads the Lady Chargers with 462 kills and 111 aces, and Snipes has 411 kills and 64 aces in 10 fewer games. They also play on the back row, where Lochstampfor has a team-high 390 digs and Snipes has 287.
Caine said Lochstampfor is the most vocal of the three.
"I try to be encouraging," Lochstampfor said. "Every team needs at least one anchor. That's been my goal. I don't know if I've always met it."
Holland plays middle blocker but also has served 47 aces.
"Brooke is kind of quiet," Caine said. "She leads more by example. She motivates people when she makes a good block. That's when she gets intense. Taylor just shines on the court. She makes the standout plays."
CCS ended up District 7 champion after posting an unblemished record in regular season and postseason against league opponents, although Notre Dame took the Lady Chargers to five games in the district final. Lochstampfor said that served as a good reminder to play 100 percent all the time.
If they do that, then maybe they can conquer those last few tall orders they may face.
"I expect to win - regionals, sectionals and state," Caine said. "There's no reason why we can't. The only thing that could stop us is us."