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Cougars Top Rival Rams

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By DAREK SHARP, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 8, 2007

PLANT CITY - Despite building a great volleyball program at Durant High, until just recently the Cougars could not claim to have a true rival. But without a doubt Sarasota Riverview has become that.

Since being placed in the same district Durant and Sarasota Riverview have met in the tournament finals each time, meaning the squads see each other at least three times a year.

The last seven meetings went to Sarasota Riverview. That stuck in the Cougars' collective craw headed into their recent early-season showdown at Durant.

'Absolutely,' said Cougar head coach Dawn Hough. 'The girls, especially the seniors, have wanted to beat Sarasota Riverview for some time.'

Durant got it done to the tune of a tight three-set victory Aug. 30. The Cougars won the last two games by the narrowest of margins, 25-23.

Though one close win can hardly give Durant the upper hand, it doesn't hurt.

'They knew that they were going to have to work very hard to make it happen,' Hough said. 'It's easier to be more motivated against a great team and program like Sarasota Riverview.'

The key to victory was a comeback in the second game, when it looked like the Rams were poised to even the match.

Setter Alexa Donini, one of the seniors, had 25 assists and also made some dump shots that the Rams were unable to defend. Kelsey Horton had a tremendous match with 11 kills, 10 digs and five blocks. Reliable senior Stephanie Eukovich had 10 kills as well.

'Stephanie vocally led the team. Her experience helped a lot in that game,' Hough said.

The Cougars will go up against the Rams again Sept. 25 in Sarasota.

Because it was only the second match of the year Hough was not ready to claim a return to state teams of the past, but she is encouraged by the start.

'They push every day in practice and hopefully that will show against future opponents, and lead to a very successful season,' she said.

Durant's next action is at home against Riverview on Tuesday, followed by a Thursday trip to Lakeland High.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampa trib.com.

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