They can be hitters at the net hammering the ball to the floor, or setters coordinating each offensive attack, or a defensive specialist or libero, diving and racing to prevent points that could determine a match.

As the volleyball state tournaments get underway, most teams have players who can take over a set, or provide the difference between a win or a loss as the margin for error shrinks.

Here are a few players who could have a big impact for championship-hopeful teams:

Maija Bolduc, Edward Little senior setter: For the eighth-seeded Red Eddies, only in their third year of existence, to go on a run against the established Class A powers, they’ll need big performances from Bolduc, the newly named KVAC Player of the Year. She’s a defensive ace and is also a strong server.

Allie Champagne, Bonny Eagle junior setter: The sixth-seeded Scots (10-4) are looking to reach the late rounds of the Class A tournament, and serve success will be a key. Enter Champagne, who is the team’s most consistent server and doesn’t just try to keep the ball in play, but looks for aces.

Maddie Croteau, Greely senior setter: Croteau is a key playmaker for the Rangers (10-4), the No. 3 seed in Class B. She runs much of the offense and makes calls on where to go with the ball, and she has the ability to finish off points at the net. She also catches opponents off guard with her serve, which could give Greely the edge it needs if it makes the late rounds.

Kaitlyn Davidson, Gardiner sophomore outside hitter: Coach Bill Boardman believes Davidson, in only her second season, is already Gardiner’s all-time kills leader. She has a good sense for how to attack, whether to hammer the ball as hard as she can or tip it to open space, and she’s been at her best against Gardiner’s most difficult opponents. The Tigers, the top seed in Class C, will need her to be sharp.

Liana Edwards, Gorham junior setter/opposite hitter: The reigning Varsity Maine and Gatorade Player of the Year combines height with a versatile skill set to be someone who can fill whatever role the Rams need on a given night. She can take over games up front or distribute and set up from the middle of the floor, and she’s at her best when Gorham needs a spark.

Mary Hackleman, Cheverus senior middle/outside hitter: A second-team all-SMAA player last year, Hackleman has helped the Stags grab the No. 2 seed in Class A with a 12-2 mark. She leads the team in kills and aces and is third in digs. If Cheverus goes far, Hackleman will be in the middle of the action.

Charlotte MacDonald, Kennebunk senior setter: The Rams are a dangerous fifth seed in Class A, as they showed in a win over top-seeded Scarborough (13-1), and MacDonald can take them to a higher level. She’s a defensive-minded player who forms a strong tandem with libero Quinn Whirley, and whose anticipation helps her cover ground and get to balls most players can’t. She combines that with a serve that can rattle off aces and change a game.

Evie Martin, York sophomore outside hitter: As dominant a hitter as there is in Class B, if not the state, Martin can single-handedly put the Wildcats over any team they face. She’s consistent on her attacks at net, and combines power with pinpoint accuracy. Coach Kevin Hill called her “absolutely dominant.”

Addie Petit, Thornton Academy junior setter: Thornton has a list of key players, including libero Brooklyn Desrochers and hitters Marta Semino and Adelaide Bracy, but Petit makes the Trojans go. She’s the on-court leader who communicates and keeps the team organized, and is a top-notch distributor. She finished the regular season with 369 assists for Class A’s No. 4 seed.

Leo Porter, Scarborough senior libero: A captain, Porter is the steadying presence in the back row for Class A’s top seed. They’re an asset in clutch moments because of their defensive prowess, ability to keep the team organized, and ability to go on long runs when serving. Taking down the top seed might mean catching the Red Storm on a bad day; Porter makes sure Scarborough doesn’t have many of those.