Lake Forest College Sports Information
Contact:  Mike Wajerski, SID

2001 Preview: 'Motivated' Foresters Prepare for Next Challenge

LAKE FOREST, IL - When you are in the midst of a Midwest Conference dynasty, as the Lake Forest volleyball team and Head Coach Beth Pier currently are, with three MWC championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances in the last four years, motivation comes in different forms.  "Although we talk often within our team about maintaining the success and tradition of our program, each year is unique and each championship has been special," according to Pier.  "The conference championship will still be our top priority.  In addition, we are motivated to once again prove ourselves at nationals.  Our first year at nationals we played great, but last year was disappointing because we feel we can be one of the top teams in our region."  The Foresters won in the first round in 1999 before falling in five sets during the round of 32, but lost in the first round of last year's national tournament.

A tall and talented senior calss will lead Lake Foret in 2001. Stephanie Reinboldt, a First Team All-Conference selection each of her first three seasons with the Foresters, will once again pair with fellow senior and First Team All-MWC member Angela Lagerman in the middle of the Forester attack.  The duo has not only terrorized opponents for three years, but they are rewriting the Lake Forest record books.  Reinboldt is the school's all-time leader for career hitting percentage and is on pace to break the kills mark, while Lagerman is second for hitting percentage and holds school records for blocks in a career, season, and match.  Another pair of veterans, Chris Laurine and Leslie Boyle give the Foresters,"...tremendous ball control skills and athleticism," according to Pier.

Another record holder, career assists leader and recent graduate Sarah Frantz, must be replaced.  "Obviously replacing a four-year starting setter will be a challenge, but we have been through it before and I am confident that our experience and talent will make the transition a smooth one," Pier added.  "I feel good about what we have coming back.  We have an exceptional senior class in terms of talent and leadership."