In volleyball the setter is arguably the most important position on the floor. The setter is the quarterback of the team, calling offensive plays and distributing the ball to numerous players.

Every quarterback has its backup, though, and the setter position is no different.

Sophomore Caryn Mastandrea has been that backup her entire career at Marquette, and although that may not change this season, her contributions to the team have more to do with playing in matches.

"When I'm on the court she is kind of my eyes off the court, and she'll let me know what's going on with the other side of the net," said starting setter Katie Weidner.

So far this season Weidner is averaging 11.36 assists per game, but in recent matches, Mastandrea has come in off the bench when the team has struggled.

Head coach Pati Rolf said there was no specific reason for the increased playing time, but that it is the ability of players to push each other that makes them better.

"Between the two of them they provide really good competition back and forth, and I think that's probably the biggest reason why Caryn's getting some more playing time," Rolf said.

Mastandrea tallied her first career double double this weekend against Syracuse with 17 assists and 10 digs.

As the starter it could be tough to watch your backup not only replace you but also do well, but Weidner has embraced the situation.

"I think it's a great opportunity for Caryn to get in there and get some court experience and playing time, and it's great for the younger players to get experience with someone they'll be playing with in the future," she said.

So far this season Mastandrea has appeared in 11 different matches totaling to 17 games, which is the exact number of matches and games she saw action in during her entire freshman season.

Rolf said one of the biggest factors in how much Caryn eventually plays will be her ability to block the ball.

"We have yet to find a game where we think Katie is hurting us with our blocking, which is the hugest element in putting a setter on the floor," Rolf said. "Whereas Caryn is really small and when she is blocking we do struggle with that."

This season Weidner is averaging .44 blocks per game, while Mastandrea is averaging .06.

Both Weidner and Mastandrea know that they are competing for playing time, but Weidner maintains that their relationship is a healthy one.

"We obviously compete for a position and it is very competitive but it's more doing what's best for the team and she helps me and I help her. We have each other's back," Weidner said.

Weidner also said she has been impressed by Mastandrea's maturity in being a team player despite all her time on the bench.

"It's always frustrating to be on the bench but I think that she handles it well and she knows her role on the team and she does a really good job of performing that role," she said.