While their last names might not match any more, junior Amie Tingey and sophomore Emillie Toone are still sisters, and thanks to fate and necessity, this season they are also fighting for the same position on the U volleyball team.
In the offseason, Toone-younger by a year-and-a-half-was shuffled over to middle blocker due to the injury bug biting several other contenders, and a bit of a sibling rivalry was born.
But the sisters are quick to point out that, while they are going head to head for the starting role, it's actually the best-case scenario.
"I'd rather have her go in for me than anyone else," Tingey said. "Not because we're sisters, but because I respect her so much and I know how good she is."
Coming into the season, head coach Beth Launiere was hesitant to put the two in the same position, not wanting to make an awkward situation.
"I think they're handling it better than I'm handling it," Launiere said. "It's a tough situation, but they're competing just like any two other people would for the position."
Tingey, married in June, has watched as Toone has gone from gangly freshman to a feared blocker in her second year at the U. The 6-foot-7-inch Toone has gotten notoriety thanks to her size and is now getting recognition for her performance on the court, and Tingey has been seeing less playing time in the process.
Tingey played in 89 games last season, averaging 1.4 kills per game. She was a key part of the Utes' conference championship but now gets to watch her sister's growth from the sidelines.
Toone arguably had her breakout weekend last week, earning All-Tournament honors at a four-team weekend tourney in Missouri. She has added an offensive touch to her natural blocking ability as she has gotten more comfortable with her fellow court mates.
"I'm getting used to our setter more," Toone said. "I've had a goal to lead the conference in blocks. I'd like to go for that."
Whatever Toone's goals may be, Tingey pledges to fully support her, even if it means she gets less playing time.
But while the taller Toone may currently have the upper hand on the volleyball team, Tingey won the big battles growing up.
"When we were younger, we'd play house," Tingey said. "I'd always say I was the girl, and she was the boy. She'd get mad, but I'd always win. We've always been competitive since."
Toone also makes the point that although their parents have to deal with their daughters competing against each other on the court, with both playing the same position, "they always get to cheer for one of us."
Unfortunately for the sisters' competitive juices, and for U volleyball in general, the sibling rivalry might not last too much longer. Tingey has been battling shin splints for several months, and her condition has been worsening in the past few weeks. She is scheduled for an MRI, which should shed some light on her future.
Regardless of what the future may hold for the sister tandem, they want it known that they travel the road together, not as foes.
jbeatty@chronicle.utah.edu
