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Show Miners challenged, but triumph on volleyball court by Randy Hanskat It was like going into extra innings on the baseball diamond, or overtime on the gridiron, or a sudden death playoff on the golf course. That's what it was like Oct. 9 in MinerGym at Park City High School, as the North Summit Brave volleyball team pushed the Miners to the limit in both games before going down 16-14. It was some change from Aug. 30, the first time these two teams met this season. On that day, the Miners blew away the Braves in two easy games. However, Tuesday night a vastly improved North Summit team gave the Miners all they could handle. Park City Coach Kari Culp attributed the Braves' slow start to the fact that they were learning a new system under a new coach early in the year. That new system, called a 6-2, allows all six players on the court to be hitters at one time or another. Culp said last year only the Miners and South Rich used the 6 2, and were very dominant. This year new teams, such as North Summit, are giving the 6-2 a try. Evidently, the Braves aie getting the hang of it, as they played neck and neck with Park City all night long. Culp said the second game was a real barnburner. Both teams battled to a 14-14 tie, and there the score stayed for a long time. The tension built, as neither team could win a point on its serve. But then Becky Stover, Park City's best server, rotated to the line. She served up two bullets which led to winning points and a victory for Park City. The win increased the Miner record to 7-1 on the season. Two substitutes played key roles for Park City against North Summit -Finn Bolton and Mindee McMillan. McMil-lan. Bolton went in for Suzie Miles, who Culp said was having an "off" night, and did a good job. McMillan, who is coming back from an ankle injury, filled in for Marlene Murnin when Mumin tired in the second game. Both played like regulars, Culp said. Culp said she was impressed that the Miners didn't unravel under the pressure of the close games. "Even though it was so tense, they were able to keep their composure," she said. The North Summit game marked a key point for Park City's '84 season it was the last appearance for Tori Pillinger. Pillinger has left for Solden, Austria lor a U.S. Ski Team Development Camp, and will not be back until at least the state volleyball tourney Nov. 2 and 3. Her loss has forced some changes in the Miner strategy, according to Culp. She said the team will probably shift to a 5-1 alignment for the remainder of the season. In that system Stover becomes the lone setter, moving to the front line after every serve, no matter where she is on the court. Culp said the 5-1 is working "very well" but the Miners are also practicing the 6-2 system, using Nicki Koch as the other setter. Whichever system works the best under fire will be used for the rest of the season. The next action for the Miners is tonight at North Rich. That is the final regular season contest of the year. Then next Saturday, Oct. 27, Park City will host the region tournament. |