By Mike Foley
UWRF Sports Information

After losing eight seniors from last year’s 35-6 UW-River Falls volleyball team, four seniors will provide leadership and stellar play on the court for the Falcons in 2004.

This year’s seniors will be Nina Petersen (RH), Logan Kiesch (OH), Melissa Jude (OH) and Gina Anderson (MH).

Petersen took home All-WIAC and AVCA All-Midwest Region honors last year and is this year’s most-decorated returner. Her role is similar to last year’s as a right side hitter, but will be much different as an on- and off-court leader. A strong group of sophomores will look to her for guidance and leadership throughout the year.

"My goal is to always be a good leader," Petersen said. "I’m going to try to be someone to look up to on the floor and always have a smile on my face."

The powerful southpaw will be looking for her 1,000th career kill during the season. Her three-year total is 755 and she will be the premier target for sophomore setter Kat Krtnick in 2004. In addition to her kill numbers, Petersen also has 222 career digs and 242 total blocks.

"She will be one of the dominate players in the WIAC, if not nationally," Falcon Coach Patti Ford said. "Her personality is even keeled. She has a physically strong stature and, being left handed, she brings a lot of power from the right side. She has everything, physically and socially, to lead this team."

Another key contributor from last year’s team is outside hitter Logan Kiesch. Kiesch has a wiry and tenacious nature that helps her get a lot of digs that not many others can reach. She is also a threat to score from the left side. Her best feature is her unique ability to get the team fired up.

"I want to bring a good attitude into the gym," Kiesch said. "As a captain I want to get everyone involved and build team cohesion, which we’ll really need this year."

Last year, Kiesch nailed 314 kills. She was second on the team with 451 digs. She contributed with 57 total blocks and 44 big service aces despite nagging injuries.

"Both Logan and Melissa Jude will bring a really strong all-around game," Ford said. "They give us a really strong core to build around."

Jude has skills very similar to Kiesch’s, but gives conference foes a new face and new style to figure out. Having both offensive and defensive skills, Ford will have to make few substitutions for Jude, Kiesch or Petersen.

"We’ll do just fine this year," Jude said. "We have plenty of talent in the gym. We have good leadership and by working as a team we’ll get places together."

Last year, Jude came off the bench behind Kiesch and AVCA third team All-American Krystle Brune to register 33 kills and 59 digs. She also made an impact with five total blocks and six service aces.

Middle hitter Gina Anderson has spent the last two years on the Falcon varsity team and played junior varsity as a freshman in 2001. Anderson, also a pole vaulter on the Falcon track & field team, brings a wealth of volleyball knowledge and experience to the Falcon middle hitter position. Teamed up with 6-1 sophomore middle hitter Andrea Geehan, Anderson will help plug up the middle and provide timely scoring.

"I will have a leadership role this year," Anderson said. "I’ve been here for a while and I’m going to be there for the new people. We’re going to adjust well this year. We’re starting to gel as a team and not just a bunch of individuals."

Over the past two years in a limited role, Anderson has contributed 110 kills and 31 digs. She has also got up for 62 total blocks.

"Gina’s experience will really shine through," Ford said. "Her and Andrea have solidified their positions as the first and second middles."

All the seniors shared the same sentiment after losing eight seniors. They are all looking to show the rest of the very strong WIAC that UW-RF is still a force in the conference and the nation.

"I’m looking forward to proving to everyone that we can still be at the top," Petersen said, "even though we’re younger and inexperienced."