HOLLIS – Kyra Belden was a role player, rarely a starter on last year’s state championship Hollis Brookline volleyball team.

Man, was she paying attention!

The Cavaliers junior has dominated from the setter position helping the powerhouse squad to a 9-0 start.

Belden’s 40-assist performance in Monday’s showdown win over Bishop Guertin was Exhibit “A” of her value to the Cavalier program.

Down 1-0, HB needed a lift, and Belden was there, most notably from the service line where she ran off a pair of double-digit point runs that sparked back-to-back set wins as the Cavaliers took charge.

“She’s been fantastic,” said HB coach Becky Balfour. “She’s been playing super defense and has been playing terrific all-around games.”

For Belden, just being a part of the program has been a blessing.

“I’ve been on varsity as a freshman and a sophomore, and I’m just so proud to be part of this team,” Belden said.

He success serving, as well as that of her teammates, is not happening by accident.

“Definitely, the serving is a huge part of practice, at least a half hour a day,” said Belden, who is an honor roll student.

“Serving is something I’ve always worked hard on. I was able to get my overhand serve down at age 12. Since then I’ve worked so hard at it.”

Belden has dabbled in other sports like track and field but her focus remains on volleyball. Though she’s just a junior, Belden is already looking ahead toward playing collegiately.

“UNH is on my list, but I’m also looking at going down South to college, maybe the Carolinas,” she said.