COATESVILLE -- With the men's volleyball team down 13-5 in last night's third game, in came a young face that Lion opponents have seen a lot this season.

Freshman outside hitter Brian Miller replaced Ricky Roper and, once again, became an instant contributor.

The freshman continued his surprising success and was instrumental in helping the Lions fight back to 13-12 in that third game.

"He's better than what I expected him to be," Coach Tom Peterson said. "He came up with a couple of shots that freshman just don't make, some chips to the deep court when it was open and a swipe. He's going to be a great player for us."

Miller has seen a lot of playing time since the Lions' first 1992 matches. It was at Ohio State, where he tallied a .552 hitting percentage on 27 attempts, that he made his presence immediately known.

"I think we have a lot of people who can make contributions," Miller said. "We're trying to find team chemistry out there and every game we seem to be putting someone new in. I'm glad to be in there to try and help the team get out of this slump we're in now."

Manitoba middle blocker Trevor Dmitruk may be one person that wishes Miller never substituted into last night's game. Shortly after coming in to the third game, Miller blasted a spike that made its way into Dmitruk's nose before hitting the ground.

However, it is not just his net play that pleases Peterson, but also his ball control -- an aspect the team has been lacking in the early season.

"It's tough to say one guy can come in and turn it around," Peterson said of the third game. "But Brian came in and gave us the ball control we needed at the time."

Miller's appearance on the court in any capacity was a question to Peterson at one point. Peterson has redshirted the other three freshman on the 1992 squad and he said he considered doing the same with Miller, but playing him continues to be a good decision.

If Miller's high school history is any indication, he will continue to be a vital part in winning teams.

He was captain of his North Allegheny team from suburban Pittsburgh to the 1991 state championship. Along the way, he was voted player-of-the-year in western Pennsylvania.