Two local players will get a chance to compete against the U.S. Olympic softball team next week.

Kara and Tara Bendt, graduates of Kearns High and Salt Lake Community College, tried out for the Black Hills Gold All-Star Team just a couple of weeks ago. Kara, an outfielder, made the squad, while Tara, a pitcher is one of five alternates.

"Our uncle (who lives in Rapid City, S.D.) told us about the tryouts," said Tara Bendt, a first team All-American who will play for UNLV next season. "I was too old to play summer ball, so I saw this as a great opportunity."

The twins are practicing for the sold-out game, scheduled for July 15, right now and acknowledge they will be playing on a stage new to both of them.

"It's sold out, so it will be a great crowd," said Tara. "It's a little nerve-wracking playing in front of that many people, but it's also exciting."

The U.S. team is traveling the country play exhibition games to prepare them for the 2008 Summer Games in Bejing, China.

"It is an awesome opportunity, especially since they might not have softball in the Olympics after this," Tara said. "I guess short of making the Olympic team, playing against them would be the next best thing."

The game will be played at Pete Lien Memorial Field in Rapid City at 7 p.m. Coaching vacancies

Woods Cross High School is accepting applications for both a baseball and a swim coach until June 30. Anyone interested in either job should contact Principal Vickie Ingram at 402-4500 or Athletic Director Rick Winder at 402-4596.

Bricks for sale

Jordan High has extended the deadline to June 21, 2008, for ordering bricks for the Centennial Plaza as part of the JHS Centennial celebration. Interested parties should contact Marc Hunter @ 801-256-5580 or go to the JHS website www.jhs.jordan.k12.ut.us.

Volleyball camps

Provo High is offering two different types of volleyball clinics this summer. An advanced skills clinic runs June 30-July 2 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. It's open to girls who have played high school or one season of club volleyball. The cost is $110 per participant.

A clinic for beginners will be held July 14-17 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. It's open to both boys and girls from fifth to eighth grade. The cost is $70.

To register contact coach Wendy Bills at 801-362-3373 or on-line at www.phs.provo.edu/.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com