It's Michigan vs. Tennessee. The two states, through the universities that represent them, have been bitter rivals ever since Michigan's Charles Woodson beat out Tennessee's Peyton Manning for football's Heisman Trophy back in the late 1990s. Tennessee returned the favor by thrashing Michigan in the 2002 Citrus Bowl. But at the volleyball venue of the Transplant Games, it's a friendly rivalry. Very competitive, but friendly.

Unlike many of the events here, the competition is not divided by age group or gender. The rules simply state: "Teams will consist of six players, with at least one woman on the court at all times. It is not required that a woman touch the ball during each volley. Teams will compete in a co-ed elimination tournament to determine the top three teams." It's wide open, which adds to the fun.

Michigan's Chris Fedorko (liver, 1997) delivers a well-placed overhand slap serve --unreturnable. He's a slender leaper, one of the few on the court who leaps to block shots as they cross the net. Fedorko is also one of the few who dives to make a save, scooping the ball off the hardwood. He says he's played some volleyball in the past, but not much recently. "It's like riding a bike," he adds. "You never forget."

Tennessee's Danetta Hawkins (liver, 1994) has a very capable underhand serve. She carries herself like a natural athlete, though she confesses that she has not really played volleyball before. She muffs a high lob when she can't get her hands set the way she wants, and then she laughs at herself and gets ready for the next serve.

Lenar Markous (kidney, 1996) serves an underhand ace. He looks muscular and sure of himself on the court, a gold chain visible above the collar of his Team Michigan shirt. His next serve goes under the net, and some teammates shout, "That's OK!" and "You'll get 'em!"

Mark Jordon (heart, 2000) is CEO of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Tall and distinguished-looking with his trim gray hair, he is a power server, racking up a number of points for Tennessee. He moves with the confidence of an lifelong athlete, though his difficulty bending for the ball at times betrays his age. But suddenly he is diving for a ball to make a save.

Michigan's T.J. Maciak (2 kidneys, 1994 and 1996) is well equipped in knee pads and head band. He bends to bounce the ball six times before each serve. Like many of the middle-aged volleyball players on the court, his pleasure in returning to active sports is evident in the almost constant smile on his face.

Tennessee's George Cunningham (liver, 1994) is also tall and graceful. He and Chris Fedorko both jump to hit a ball that's momentarily balanced on the top of the net. They both push on the ball, and it falls as a point for Michigan. The two players nod and smile to each other.

Sean McTavish (4 kidneys, 1986-2001) is not one of the taller players on Michigan's team. He's had some bone deterioration because of the side effects of some of his earlier treatments, but he has good hands and keeps the ball in play.

Margaret Guitard (kidney, 1997) is not nearly as tall as the Tennessee men around her on the court. She has sure hands on the ball, setting up her teammates.

At 13, John Frazier (liver, 1990) is the youngest player in the game. Gerald Fowler, a long distance truck driver who has added a thousand miles to his route just to see his grandson play, says in a deep Tennessee accent, "He's perfect."

Karen Barker (kidney from her sister, 1986) is a veteran of the Transplant Games, having participated since 1988. A solid performer, she makes few mistakes-keeping the ball in play.