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| Aug. 8, 2005 |
| NORSE VOLLEYBALL PREPARES FOR 2005 SEASON |
NKU welcomes back
three All-GLVC performers, adds impressive recruiting class |
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The challenge for Northern Kentucky University volleyball head coach Carlos Chia in 2005 is finding a replacement for graduated outside hitter Kristin Koralewski. If Chia can do that and mesh a strong recruiting class with the returning talent from last season’s 22-9 squad, NKU could make a run for the Great Lakes Valley Conference title this fall. But the Norse must first replace Koralewski, a two-time All-American and the GLVC Player of the Year the past two seasons. Koralewski recorded 559 kills and a .382 hitting percentage a year ago, and she also led NKU with 390 digs. In three seasons with the Norse, Koralewski posted 1,485 kills and 1,192 digs. “Kristin meant a great deal to this program, and she ranks up there with the great players we’ve had like Jenny Jeremiah, Bethany Gastright, Jessica Buroker, Molly Donovan, Cammi Welter and Kerry Lewin, just to name a few,” Chia said, “but we will move forward this season and hope that Kristin has the same influence on the team this year as an assistant coach because she always led by example.” NKU compiled a 13-3 record in the GLVC last season with Koralewski leading the way. The Norse advanced to the semifinals of the GLVC Tournament, but missed out on the NCAA Division II Tournament. Chia - who was named GLVC Coach of the Year last season - welcomes back four starters from 2004, including three All-GLVC performers. Liz Holmes, a 5-foot-10 middle hitter, finished with 397 kills and a .327 hitting percentage in 2004. She was named GLVC Freshman of the Year and earned second team All-GLVC honors. In addition, Holmes collected a team-leading 89 blocks as a freshman and added 39 service aces. “I want to see Liz emerge as one of the leaders on the team this year, and we expect her to become the go-to player this season,” Chia said.
Andrea Lanham, a 5-9 junior setter, earned first team All-GLVC honors after posting 1,471 assists (a GLVC-leading 13.13 apg) and serving 28 aces. Lanham finished 13th nationally in assists and was No. 2 in the Great Lakes Region. “Andrea has shown she excels at this level, not only in the conference, but regionally and nationally,” Chia said.Lynne Fischesser earned second team All-GLVC honors as a right-side hitter in 2004. Fischesser, one of the most versatile players in the GLVC, collected 275 kills and 316 digs a year ago. She finished No. 2 in the GLVC in service aces last season at 0.50 sapg (56 total aces). Senior right-side hitter Julie Lewis saw action in 21 matches last season and started 14 times. A three-year letterwinner, Lewis had 109 kills last season. Sophomore outside hitter Tristen Dye is also expected to play a major role this season. A year ago, Dye played in 18 matches and finished with 144 kills and 17 service aces. Freshman Kristina Eisenmenger will challenge for the starting position on the right side. Eisenmenger, an excellent blocker and attacker, earned All-Region honors while a prep standout at Notre Dame Academy. She had 225 kills and 80 solo blocks as a senior. Sophomore Elizabeth Droessler saw action in 22 matches a year ago and started eight times. Droessler had 28 blocks and 38 kills in 2004, and she will challenge for a starting position this season. Jennifer Wirtz, a 5-9 junior and a transfer from Vincennes (Ind.), could start at outside hitter this season. Wirtz was a second team All-American in junior college last season and could help to ease the loss of Koralewski. Freshman Natalie Forbes, a graduate of Highlands High School, is a versatile athlete who can attack, defend or play setter. She could challenge for significant playing time this season at setter, Chia said. NKU must replace libero Amber Timmons from last season’s team, but Chia has added freshman Chelsie Snively and sophomore transfer Brittany Dixon. They will compete with sophomore Maria Tieman in the back row. NKU will play its first 13 matches away from home in 2005. The Norse will play their home opener Sept. 16 with a GLVC match against Indianapolis. NKU will play defending GLVC champion Southern Indiana on Oct. 14 in Evansville, Ind. The Norse will meet perennial GLVC power Southern Illinois at Edwardsville the following day at Edwardsville, Ill.
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