Martin Luther College Knights’ Women’s Basketball Preview

2004 – 2005

     Entering his fourth campaign, head coach Dr. Gene Pfeifer finds himself in an enviable position. The Knights return all five starters and all ten letter winners from last year’s team. It’s an understatement to say anticipation for the 2004 – 2005 Knights campaign is again high.

    “This year we are blessed with several seniors who have played together in our system for four seasons,” Pfeifer said. “They provide the team a wealth of experience and maturity.”

    The coaching staff believes its returning letter winners and newcomers will provide more team depth than they’ve had in the past few seasons. The players also sense this could be their year.  For many on the team, this is also the opportunity to end their basketball careers on a positive note.

    “I think (the seniors) want to go out on as good of a season as possible,” Pfeifer said.  “With so many players returning, they seem ready to bring it to the next gear.  We are ready, but it appears that many in the conference are ready as well.”

    Last year, despite a demanding schedule and without a senior on the roster, Knights battled its way to a 12 – 14 record (7 – 5 UMAC, tied for third). The season included a school record six game winning streak. The team garnered key conference victories over UMAC champion Northland College and perennial power Northwestern College, and fought its way to a third consecutive UMAC conference tournament semi-final appearance. The Knights ended the season ranked in NAIA Division II among the top 20 statistically in several team defensive categories.

    The Knights were right in the middle of the chase for the UMAC title, until a late swoon abruptly finished the season.

    “Last year at the end of the season we kind of fell apart,” Pfeifer said.  “We went 0-2 in the last conference weekend, so instead of finishing 9-3 in conference, it was 7-5.  But we have a chance this year to put that all behind us.”

    Over the past three seasons the Knights have become known for their pressure defense and up-tempo style of play. The key to that success will again be the overall skill and quickness of their guard play. Key returning players include UMAC all-conference performers Junior Emma Babinec (17.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and backcourt partner Senior Bethany Bauer (8.0 ppg, 2.6 steals). Emma’s athleticism and all-out play helped her to lead the UMAC in scoring last year, while four-year starter at point guard Bethany again led the UMAC in assists (4.7 apg). Senior guards Erin Czer (5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and Dania Koepke (3.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg) ably fill the third guard position and are expected to be counted upon as the defensive stoppers. Sophomore guard Liz Olson helps stretch the defense with her lethal behind-the-arc shooting.  Olson led the team in 3-point field goals and 3-point shooting percentage (45%).

    On the offensive end the Knights are blessed with balance as their inside game is again expected to contribute mightily. Senior Sarah Beilke (9.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg) is a two-time UMAC all-conference honorable mention honoree. Sarah led the UMAC in blocked shots last season and ranked 4^th nationally in the category with 94. Senior co-captain and four-year starter Beth Ebeling (5.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), junior Carly Belz, sophomore Sarah Seelow, and senior Crystal Mielke provide a strong post presence. Each finished last season with several strong performances. 

    The Knights have been pleasantly surprised by few standout performances in practices so far.  Both Olson and Seelow have caught the eyes of the coaches.

    “Sarah Seelow has shown a lot of athleticism so far,” Pfeifer said.  “We think she can play either at the three or four spot, which gives us some flexibility.  With her, we could play a three post lineup.  Another bright spot early on has been Liz Olson.  She has done a very good job in practice.  She is a good shooter and an excellent ball-handler.  She has a good sense of the game, both offensively and defensively.”

    While the Knights added depth is a benefit that many coaches would love to have, it can also create problems.  Having many solid players means fewer minutes to go around.  This problem can also create division in a locker room. 

“One of the important keys to a good team is good chemistry,” Pfeifer said.  “With such great depth, it will be difficult to get everyone the playing time that they might deserve.  You can only stretch the minutes so far, which is why we will need the team to accept their roles and buy into the ‘what’s good for the team’ concept.”

    The Knights have already suffered a season-ending injury before the season has even begun.  Freshman point guard Elizabeth Babinec tore her ACL and is done for the year.

    “She was looking really good at the point position,” Pfeifer said.  “It’s a tough loss.  She would have added tremendous depth at an important position.  We will be fine, but it would have been nice to have her with us this year.  She will be having ACL surgery soon and we are looking forward to having her with us next year.”

    Other potential key additions to this year’s team include freshmen guard Nikki Brost (Northland Lutheran HS), sophomore post Angie Unke (a transfer from Wisconsin Lutheran College), and freshman post Katie Peter (Northland Lutheran HS).

    With the 2004 season ready to kick off, Pfeifer believes his team is ready to battle it out. 

    “If the team can maintain the chemistry and momentum built over the past few years and feel comfortable with their individual roles, we will be right in the thick of a tight race for the UMAC title.”