1,000 kills mark milestones for two volleyball players

Two UW-River Falls volleyball players reached milestones in their careers this season by each hitting their 1000th kill. 

Seniors Andrea Geehan, a middle hitter, and Kate Thompson, an outside hitter, are both leading role models and powerful forces for the Falcon team, according to several teammates and player profiles.

Thompson’s twin sister and fellow teammate, Molly, said her sister is an inspiration and leader.

“She goes into practice every day with a smile on her face,” Thompson said. “Nothing fazes her, and she is the ultimate team player.”

Geehan received similar praises from freshman Alison Busby.

“I am a middle hitter and have learned a lot from Andrea,” she said. “I am a freshman, and both of these players are very good role models.”

The UW-RF volleyball team has a strong record both inside and outside of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), with a record of 14 wins and eight losses overall, and a 3-2 record in the WIAC. They are tied for fourth place with UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point within the competitive conference. 

According to player biographies on the Falcon athletics Web site, Geehan and Thompson’s skills and leadership have helped the Falcon team in years past, earning both players conference recognition. 

Thompson received a number of titles, including All-WIAC honorable mention and Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2005. She was also All-WIAC honorable mention in the 2004 season.

Similarly, Geehan has earned several conference titles, including All-WIAC first team and American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Midwest Region honors in 2005. Geehan’s accomplishments also include being the WIAC Player of the Week in 2004 and an All-WIAC honorable mention the same season.

“Both are extremely talented players who provide the majority of the offensive output for our team,” senior Kat Krtnick said. “If they aren’t getting set, they both hold the other team’s blockers, so someone else can score. As the setter for both of them for the past two years, I am extremely grateful to play with such talented hitters of that caliber.”

Krtnick also said Thompson’s hard swing allows her to hit the ball to the ground in any situation.

“These past two weeks she has been unstoppable,” Krtnick said, making Thompson a significant member of the team.

Freshman Amber Starr reiterates the praises of the rest of the team.

“They are huge leaders and really deserve this recognition,” Starr said.

Achieving the accomplishment of 1,000 kills in volleyball is a success because of how it translates into points. A kill is a critical aspect of the game because it is a single hit that results in an immediate point for the team.

Even though both Geehan and Thompson’s careers began in high school, before playing for UW-RF, with kills alone they have each earned their team 1,000 points. 

The season isn’t over for UW-RF volleyball. The team defeated UW-Platteville this past Friday and UW-La Crosse on Saturday.

Up next the team takes part in the Elmhurst Invitational at Elmhurst College in Illinois on Oct. 13 and 14, where UW-RF will face several teams including Concordia and Rockford Universities.