Without a returning setter, coach Kevin Tameling needed someone to step into an unfamiliar, yet all-important, role.

Lambdin answered the call.

The 6-foot junior made the transition from outside hitter and is fitting in well as the new facilitator for the Knights’ attack. Ripon Christian (3-0 Trans-Valley League, 11-2 overall) has won six straight matches going back to the Golden Valley Tournament, and three of those victories came last week.

“After his soccer season ended a few weeks ago, Danny showed up to volleyball practice and was asked to convert from a pin hitter to a setter,” Tameling said. “He took on the challenge and has quickly assimilated himself into that role, using his athleticism and humble attitude to grow as a setter each day. Danny’s selfless attitude epitomizes what we hope for in our student-athletes at Ripon Christian.”

A multi-sport standout (football, soccer), Lambdin’s versatility has served him well as setter.

He led Ripon Christian to a sweep of Orestimba in TVL play on Monday, March 10 with 25 assists, two blocks and two kills. Lambdin handed out 32 assists two nights later, as the Knights took care of Riverbank in three sets. He added another 40 assists to his season total on Friday, with RC winning a non-league match in four games at East Union.

For the season, Lambdin is ranked 11th among setters in the Sac-Joaquin Section with 261 assists (8.7 per set) despite the Knights’ late start.