SLIPPERY ROCK — Taylor Stamm spent most of last season at the net for the Slippery Rock High volleyball team.

She was thrust into the role as a middle hitter for the Rockets because of an injury to Bre Northcott.

But it wasn’t Stamm’s natural position. The 5-foot-8 senior would much rather set up other hitters than do the spiking herself.

“I’m always involved in the game (as a setter),” Stamm said. “I like being a big part of the game.”

Stamm got her wish this season, moving back to setter to fill the big shoes left by Marie Takach.

“I always had an idea it would be my position to fill,” Stamm said. “It’s a role I know.”

Things, though, didn’t start out well for Stamm at setter.

She struggled early in the season with the expectations she carried with her into her latest role.

“Oh, yeah, there was a lot of pressure,” Stamm said. “I touch that ball every time. I have to get it to the hitters. I have to get it to them perfectly.”

By the second match of the season, Stamm said, she was getting comfortable again as a setter.

What helped her more than anything was the support she got from her coach and her teammates.

“I owe a lot to my teammates,” Stamm said. “And (Slippery Rock volleyball coach Greg) Dugan, oh my gosh, he helped me so much. He’s like a second father to me. No matter if I have a terrible game, he knows what to say and has my back.”

Dugan said he had no doubt Stamm was up to the task of replacing Takach, who had 354 assists and only two errors last season.

“I knew the last couple of years that replacing Marie Takach was going to be a difficult thing to do this year,” Dugan said. “Taylor is just what this talented group of players needed. Her ability to run a quick offense and her blocking skills have been a key to the success of this year’s unbeaten team so far.”

Stamm has 219 assists this season for the Rockets, who finished the regular season undefeated in Region 3. She led the team in blocks last season.

The District 10 Class AA playoffs begin Tuesday and Stamm is already excited about the Rockets’ prospects.

“We have very high expectations,” Stamm said. “Just talking about it gives me goose bumps.”

Stamm has meant more to her team than just making crisp sets to her teammates.

She organized the Slippery Rock High “Dig for a Cure” event Oct. 10 against Sharon.

The teams wore pink and raised money for breast cancer awareness.

It was an event close to Stamm’s heart.

“My best friend’s mom died from breast cancer,” Stamm said. “My great aunt is a breast cancer survivor. It hit home for me. I really wanted to do what I could to help.”