This year's team effort by the MVL Charger girls will be anchored by Lisa Peterson, a runner and quiet leader

Quiet quickness

By JEREMY BEHNKE

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- It's hard to get Minnesota Valley Lutheran point guard Lisa Peterson to talk about her game.

It's even more difficult for an opponent to beat her down the floor on a turnover or rebound as she goes in for two.

Peterson's speed has helped her get to the state track meet and it's also made her one of the fastest players on the hardwood in the area.

"Her strength is defense," head coach Dave Biedenbender said. "She's tremdously quick on defense and obviously she can get out on the break. She just outruns the defense and its going to be an easy lay-up. Her defense is her offense."

Peterson scored 4.6 points per game last year and finished with 75 steals, good for third on the team.

"She had most of our lay-ups last year," teammate Kelsey Black said. "As soon as we'd get a rebound, we just pop it out to Lisa and she could beat any girl she was up against."

Peterson was the starter for a team that finished the season 26-3 a year ago, losing in the Section 2AA championship to Belle Plaine. Although the loss still hurts, Peterson said this year's senior group is ready for another run at state.

"I think all the seniors have to work together to take charge," Peterson said. "I think its going to be a very fun year. We lost a lot of seniors from last year that were a big factor, but I think we're going to do good this year."

The Chargers lost standout Jessica Merseth to graduation, meaning the team will have to be more team-oriented to continue its dominance of the Tomahawk Conference. The Chargers have won 37 consecutive games in the conference after going 18-0 the past two years.

Wabasso, MVL and Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop are among the favorites in the Tomahawk this year.

"I think this year -- probably more than any other year since I've been here -- we're not going to rely on just one person," Biedenbender said. "We're going to be more versatile and more team oriented ... this year."

The Chargers return six seniors who saw significant playing time a year ago either as starters or as key reserves. Jessica Beckendorf and Black will be at the post positions. Beckendorf averaged 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and Black averaged 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds.

Allie Krenz, who averaged 2.6 points, and Ruth Olson also saw good minutes last year. Olson averaged 1.8 points a year ago.

Rounding out the Charger squad are Chellsea Nelson, Karissa Kramer, Jenna Paulsen, Amanda Dettmann, Briana Czer, Kelsey Krohn and Eva Voss.

Voss and Krohn are expected to help out at the post position.

"Last year we lost a lot of height, but we have Eva Voss coming up and Kelsey Krohn," Black said.

Peterson has been to state in track. She would like nothing more than make an appearance at the state basketball tournament.

"It would be a lot of fun to go to state and I hope that happens," Peterson said.

Black also has high hopes going into her final season.

"I want to take over conference again, and I want to go to state this year," Black said. "I've never been to state in volleyball or basketball."

MVL is at Nicollet next Tuesday.