Lake Forest College Sports Information
Contact:  Mike Wajerski, SID

2004 Preview: Back on Top
  

Amy (foreground) and Andrea Krueger
are set to lead the 2004 Foresters.
LAKE FOREST, IL - From 1999-2001, the Forester volleyball program was easily the best in the Midwest Conference. The team placed first in the league’s South Division all three years and won the MWC Tournament to claim the conference title each year as well. After finishing fourth in the division and the tournament in 2002, the team made an improbable championship run in 2003 and looks to remain at the top in 2004.

“We really came through when it mattered most last year,” recalls Head Coach Beth Pier. “It says a lot about the kind of individuals we have on this team. They elevated their level of play and made sure all the hard work paid off.”

The 2003 Foresters began the season slowly before rattling off a school record 14 straight victories. After a late-season league loss, the team entered the conference tournament seeded fifth. Lake Forest proceeded to defeat Ripon College, host and top-seed St. Norbert College, and Carroll College to claim the program’s fifth championship in the last seven seasons.

“Over the years we’ve developed a strong winning tradition,” comments Pier. “I think that helps from season to season as players fill the void left by those who have moved on.” The large void that needs Pier’s attention this year is the one left by the graduation of the only two players in school history to record both 1,000 kills and as many digs in their four years and the only player with 100 blocks in two consecutive seasons.

As one senior class moves on, however, another steps in. The 2004 version is highlighted by twin sisters Andrea and Amy Krueger. Andrea led the 2003 team with 60 aces and 1,285 assists, nine shy of the single-season school record. Amy is closing in on 1,000 career digs and could become the program’s career leader in that category before she finishes.

Another reason for optimism is Janelle Balcerzak, whose 291 kills in 2003 are the highest total a Forester freshman has ever reached and her .292 hitting percentage led the team.

“We lost some key players to graduation,” comments Pier. “But the type of players we have coming back, in terms of talent, leadership, and work ethic, will enable us to continue having the kind of success we’ve enjoyed in recent history.”