By Mike Foley
UWRF Sports Information

With just one junior on the team, the 2004 UW-River Falls volleyball team will look for its talented sophomores to contribute heavily. After the Falcons four experienced seniors, these five sophomores will provide the energy and quality play the team will need to remain competitive in the WIAC.

Returning for their second year will be Andrea Geehan (MH), Kat Krtnick (S), Katie Thompson (OH), Molly Thompson (OH) and Kiah Sagami (MH).

"I’m very pleased with the energy in the gym," Coach Patti Ford said. "They are all buying into what we’re trying to do here and they’re really excited. The young players will get in and play well for us."

Geehan, a 6-1 middle hitter, will start along with senior middle hitter Gina Anderson. Both middles will be looking to prove themselves at the position in the absence of two-time All-American Melissa Tvrdik who graduated last year. Geehan will take the lessons she learned from Tvrdik onto the court with her in 2004.

"I learned a lot from T as a senior and an All-American," Geehan said. "She showed me a lot of things that I didn’t even know to ask about."

Last year, Geehan appeared off the bench in 42 of the team’s 150 games. She pounded 60 big kills and registered a .238 hitting percentage. Her height also helped her make 17 block assists. She was no slouch from the serving line either with 12 aces.

"Andrea and Gina have solidified the middle," Ford said. "Some of the youthfulness will adjust to experience as the season progresses."

Krtnick will fill a leadership role as the team’s new setter. She will quickly adjust to her new role and will take advantage of her speed and mobility that she used as a libero and outside hitter last season.

"My personal goal is to contribute to the team in any way I can and in any role the team needs me in," Krtnick said.

Last year, Krtnick appeared in 102 games as a libero and outside hitter. She was fourth on the team with 423 digs. She also registered 58 kills and nine service aces. This year her key stat will be assists.

"She will do an excellent job running the show," Ford predicted. "She is the best athlete we have and she knows the game the best. Kat will shine wherever we put her. Once she becomes acclimated, I think she can be an All-Conference setter."

Katie Thompson will compete with two talented seniors, Logan Kiesch and Melissa Jude, for playing time at the outside hitter position. Thompson will provide a strong option for Ford when either of her senior hitters are injured or fatigued. Having Thompson as an option will also give the team a different look when needed.

"My role will be to contribute as a player from the bench," Thompson said. "I want to be a team player on and off the court and be as good a teammate as I can be."

Last year, she appeared in just 11 games, but put up some impressive numbers with 14 kills and 12 digs. Her most impressive stat was her 12 service aces. Her wicked serve may bring her off the bench in key situations throughout the season.

"Katie will bring a strong punch from the outside hitter position," Ford said. "Logan and Mel have a very good all-around game, but they all have solid defense and passing."

Molly Thompson, though recovering from an injury this season, will give Ford a solid right side hitter in the future. Though the Falcons have senior Nina Petersen at the position now, Thompson will serve as her understudy.

"Starting this year with a totally new team is like a re-birth for us," Thompson said. "I just want to get better so I can be in there, but it’s pretty painful when I swing right now. Hopefully I will be able to step up and go in wherever they need me."

Last year, Thompson appeared sparingly in just eight games, but showed her stuff with seven kills and five digs from the outside hitter position. Though she has played outside and middle hitter positions in the past, Ford has another plan for her in the future.

"She has some health concerns early this year, but I’ll look to her to play on the right side when she’s better. At sometime we’ll need Nina to come out and I’d like to put Molly in there."

Kiah Sagami, also a high jumper on the Falcon track & field team, will give the team a third option at the middle hitter position.

"I just want to catch up to where T (Melissa Tvrdik) and Kristin (Brandt) left off last year," Sagami said. "They left such a print on the team and we want to be there at the end of the season like they were. I think we’ll surprise some people with our middles."

Last year, Sagami anchored the middle for the Falcon JV squad. This year, Ford will look to her to stop opponent rallies.

"Kiah will continually get better as the season goes on," Ford said. "I’ll look to bring her in to give the team a different look or if Andrea or Gina need a rest."