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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Spikers put up a fight in loss

Opposing coach praises Ypsilanti's efforts

By Bruce Mason, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: February 8, 2007

The Ypsilanti varsity spikers played "unbelievable," said head coach Ryan Minarik, in a loss over Garden City Jan. 29.

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The Trojans' head coach, John Pace, agreed and he decided to let people know about it.

Ypsilanti lost — 11-25, 18-25, 23-25 — and after the match, Pace walked up to Minarik and praised his team for its performance. Then he wrote an e-mail to Ypsilanti Schools' Athletic Director Michael McIntosh.

"I was very impressed with the Ypsi team last night (Wednesday)," Pace said in the e-mail written to McIntosh.

"They never quit and always put maximum effort into every point. I went and spoke to them last night and told them how impressed I was. I would not be surprised if they go 5-1 or 6-0 in the next round.

"This is my 20th year coaching and that was the first time I did anything like that, as well as writing the administration. You should be proud of how that team represented Ypsi High School as well as the community. I expect great things from them for the rest of the season."

Minarik posted the e-mail from Pace on the bulletin board, and said he's proud of his team for playing so well against such a quick offense, as well as "one of the toughest serving teams in the state."

Garden City played a "perfect game," in the finale, Minarik said. Otherwise, Ypsilanti would have prevailed.

Outside of their powerful serving, the Trojans forced the Ypsilanti back row get behind a number of balls.

"Garden City girls are huge and they pound the ball," Minarik said. "They were getting kind of frustrated because they couldn't get one down."

Kaila Claxton and Dominique Jones led the team with 13 kills each. Senior outside hitter Heather Corre had a good game to with a number of kills.

Minarik is looking forward to the team's next match against Garden City.

He said if his team can play that well one more time, especially on the road against a quality team, then it may very well have a chance heading into districts.

"We're Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde," Minarik said. "When we're on, we can beat a lot of people."

Bruce Mason is a freelance sports writer for View/Courier publications. He can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.