Shake ups at playoff time can make or break a team and the Kidder County Lady Pirates Volleyball team has had a big one.

Reporter Tia Streeter has more.





" (TIA STREETER/ KX SPORTS) After more than a decade as Head Coach of the Steele-Dawson Kidder County Pirates volleyball team, Reva Palmer abruptly resigned last week leaving both questions and a gaping hole just two days before the Pirates played in the District 6 Championship.

(JANNA OLSON/ NEW CO HEAD COACH) It was kind of a shock to them a suprise to all of us, but they're using it as their motivation right now, and that's we're kind of out there to prove something that this can't standin our way there's lots of people out there that say we're gonna havae hardships and tribulations to come over but the girls are using it as their fuel right now.

(SHALEE MARTIN/ KIDDER COUNTY SENIOR) We dealt with it the best we could we just went out there and played in regionals it was hard right away but we adjusted and went out and played our game.

(ELI BENZ/ KIDDER COUNTY SENIOR) I guess we had Janna with us she was an assistant and we just had to adjust and do what we had to do and play our game.

(TIA STREETER/ KX SPORTS) A bright spot for the Pirates as they enter region play is Eli Benz, who's set multiple school records including being the career kills leader.

(JANNA OLSON/ NEW CO HEAD COACH) she is having an outstanding season and it's been fun to watch her develop from 7th grafr till now, I just give her credit every time she steps on the court

(ELI BENZ/ KIDDER COUNTY SENIOR) It's exciting but I have to give a lot of credit to the other girls, there wouldn't be a spike if there wasn't a good set and there wouldn't be a set if there wasn't a good dig so I have to give a lot of credit to them.

(TIA STREETER/ KX SPORTS) Kidder County opens Region Play Monday, and despite being the defending state Basketball champions, they've never been to the state volleyball tournament, and that's something they're looking to change.





Kidder County officials say Palmer stepped down for personal reasons.



Besides Janna Olson, Cathy Benson is assisting with the head coaching duties.



The Pirates play Valley City in the Region 3 tournament on Monday evening. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list