Volleyball Match is a Family Affair
October 23, 2002 | Volleyball
When the Wisconsin volleyball team plays at Northwestern tonight, it will be a true family affair. The match will feature the first collegiate matchup between sisters Korie and Christie Gardner, and also the debut of Meggan Kohnen coaching against her sister Katie 's team. The match serves off at 7 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill.
Korie Gardner, a 5-8 defensive specialist for the Badgers, has played in 16 matches this season. The junior plays back row for Wisconsin's right-side hitter Lori Rittenhouse. She is averaging 2.14 digs and 0.11 service aces per game. Korie has recorded double-figure digs in six matches this season including a season-high 14 at Ohio State. She also has six service aces on the season including one in each of the last four matches.
Freshman Christie Gardner is a 5-9 outside hitter for the Wildcats. She has played in all 20 matches and 74 games for Northwestern this season. Christie is averaging 2.16 kills and 2.54 digs per game. She ranks second on the team with 24 service aces (0.32/game) and also has 23 blocks (0.31/game). Christie recorded a career-high 17 kills against Harvard and earned all-tournament honors at the Wildcat Classic.
The Gardners, from West Bend, Wis., are the youngest of four sisters who have all played collegiate volleyball. Jamie, 23, was a four-year letterwinner at Wisconsin from 1997-2000. She was a defensive specialist on the Badgers' 2000 NCAA Runner-up team. Laurie, 22, played three years at Indiana University before transferring to the University of Arizona. Laurie is the starting setter for the 16th-ranked Wildcats this season.
Former Badger Meggan Kohnen joined the Wildcat coaching staff in June of 2002. After playing three years at the University of Texas, Meggan transferred to Wisconsin prior to the 2000 season. She earned a starting role at middle blocker, aiding the Badgers to the 2000 NCAA Championship match. Meggan ranked second on that UW team with 135 blocks (1.09/game) and was also tied for second with 2.83 digs per game. Prior to joining the Northwestern staff, Meggan coached with the Westerville (Ohio) Volleyball Club.
Katie Kohnen is a 5-7 setter/defensive specialist with the Badgers. The freshman has played in one match this season recording one assist and one dig. A native of Dubuque, Iowa, Katie was named the 2001 Iowa Preps National Player of the Year and was the two-time state player of the year.
