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November 16, 2004
New coach, new season, new direction for women’s basketball
Under the leadership of new head coach Melissa Young-Kruse, the women’s basketball team looks to turn around the program and turn Hamline into a contender.
“We’re looking to take the group from last year, along with the additions, and take it game by game. We’re a very young squad, and we will go through growing pains,” she said, “but with a young squad comes excitement and a ‘no fear’ attitude.”
Young-Kruse will rely on a strong group of returning players to lead the team this season. The two key leaders are junior Carolyn Korchik, and sophomore Erin Petrich.
Korchik was an All-MIAC performer last season č her second time being named to the team č and Petrich was named to the MIAC All-First Year squad. They both bring great leadership to a team that hopes they can turn themselves around.
Hamline will also look to a key group of sophomores for support. Andrea Eilertson, Ashlee Senser, and Megan Haugen will all be entrusted to help the Pipers this season.
Eilertson has a strong presence and is a good rebounder, while Haugen is described as the heart of the team and an unselfish player.
This year’s team also sports a promising group of transfers. Senior Angel Leon is a 6’3 transfer from NCAA Div. II Winona State. Her height and skill give her great shot-blocking ability, which will force opposing teams to change their offense.
Junior Laurisa Ewert is a transfer from Div. I University of Rhode Island.
Junior Kelly Lines is Hamline’s other transfer athlete. She came over from Div. III UW-Eau Claire, where she was her high school’s all-time leading scorer.
Young-Kruse sees the transfers as strong leaders who bring a lot to a young team.
Hamline also has a strong group of incoming first-years that should bode well for the program’s future.
Two key standout first-years are Allison Bratsch and Ashley Busch.
Bratsch is an All-State guard with an excellent three-point shot, and Busch was the leading scorer in her high school.
The team has seven other first-years on the roster, all of whom will be competing for playing time this year.
With a new coaching staff comes a new style of offense and defense. Young-Kruse knows that this is a lot for a team to learn, but she wants to quickly install passion and a good work ethic into her team this year.
The Pipers will open their season on Friday, Nov. 19, against Cornell College. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Hutton Arena.
Hamline finished last season 7-15 overall and 9-16 in the MIAC.
Hamline’s Sports Information Department contributed to this story.
Posted by msveum at November 16, 2004 11:34 AM
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