Chesterton’s Justine Talbert concedes that she’s a few inches shorter than the typical outside hitter.

So the 5-foot-9 senior hit the weight room in preparation for her final high school season.

“We did a lot of strength training — a lot of squats,” she said. “I wanted to get my vertical (jump) higher because I think that can really help me out.”

The early returns for Talbert have been positive, providing the Slicers with another offensive option at the net.

That multifaceted attack was on display at Chesterton on Tuesday night, when LaPorte defeated its Duneland Athletic Conference rival 25-17, 25-12, 25-15.

Talbert finished with 10 kills for the Slicers (6-1, 1-0) and was one of three LaPorte players to finish in double digits. Junior Aniya Kennedy, who led LaPorte with 285 kills last season, had 13, and senior Paige Conklin had 11. Junior Myrriam Dhoore, a newcomer to LaPorte’s varsity lineup, had nine kills against Chesterton (5-3, 0-1).

First-year coach Jessica Ramirez said having so many capable hitters will be a crucial part of LaPorte’s success this season.

“That’s what makes us a threat offensively,” she said. “We have a lot of power hitters on our team. We’re very versatile.”

Talbert has her own versatility as well, allowing her to be involved in more than just hitting at the net.

“She’s such a smart player,” Ramirez said. “She sees the court well and has a loud presence on the court. Even if she’s not getting set, she’ll still make herself available or a run a route to throw off the block on the other side of the court. And she’s not always hitting down. Sometimes she’ll tip the ball into open spots.”

While LaPorte’s lineup was at full strength on Tuesday, Chesterton was playing without junior outside hitter Meghan Gaffigan, who also missed Monday’s match against Andrean with an injury.

Coach Amber McCaw said the Trojans were awaiting further evaluation of Gaffigan’s injury, but Gaffigan’s absence already was being felt.

“(Gaffigan) is not only our stat leader in numerous categories, but she’s also our emotional leader,” McCaw said. “It’s a big hit. But I’m proud of the way the girls came back. We’ll figure it out.”

Chesterton’s depth was further tested when freshman libero Eva Everett left the match with an apparent right foot injury during the opening set and did not return.

Sophomore outside hitter Katie Nelson and junior outside hitter Brooke Smith led the Trojans’ offense with four kills apiece. Junior right side Ella Rodriguez added 15 digs.

Despite a second loss in as many nights, McCaw remained upbeat about the Trojans’ 2020 season because of its strong beginning.

“We’ve had the best start we’ve had in … a long time,” McCaw said. “As a team, we’re still super-excited about our possibilities for this year. We’re excited to be back on the floor playing, and hopefully we can make some noise.”

Dave Melton is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.