KUTZTOWN, PA (September 21, 2010) – Katie Lutz wears so much tape that many would think she was a second cousin of a mummy. The white athletic tape Lutz wears on her arm and two legs is needed to hold Lutz together. She has overcome numerous injuries to lead the Kutztown University volleyball team in blocks.
Lutz was at the center of attention during Kutztown's 3-0 victory over Chestnut Hill College in a non-conference match Tuesday evening in Keystone Arena. Lutz finished with three blocks as the Golden Bears downed the Griffins, 25-10, 25-23, 25-20. Kutztown improved its overall record to 10-3 while Chestnut Hill fell to 3-10. (BOXSCORE)
However, the numbers don't do justice to Lutz's impact.
“She's been a real weapon for us in our transition offense,” Kutztown head volleyball coach John Gump said. “She does a really good job of getting off the net after blocking, getting back to her setter and giving us a first tempo option in transition situations. That's been a dimension that our offense lacked early in the year that she's added. Even when she doesn't score, she draws attention and holds her blocker in the middle, which makes life easier for Lindsay, Erin and Kelsey on the left side and Cali and Cait on the right side.”
All of the Golden Bear heavy hitters had solid performances against Chestnut Hill. Lindsay Confer led the way with 10 kills and Erin Kissling added seven kills. The triumvirate of Cait Hess, Cali Snell and Kelsey Nester finished with five kills each. Dana Wright dished out 18 assists and Jamie Celia collected 13 digs.
However, for Lutz, just being able to be on the floor and play at a high level is a blessing. When she injured her arm as a freshman and then her knees, she had doubts if she would return to her old self. Instead of opting for surgeries, Lutz just used the old-fashioned remedy of getting taped before games. The extensive taping process usually takes about 15 minutes.
“The tape is holding together both of knees and my elbow,” Lutz said. “Without the tape, I'd be pretty flimsy. When I tore my MCL, I got really scared that I wasn't going to be able to come back. I've been really fortunate to work really hard over the summer and get my strength back.”
Lutz was determined to return to the court. She spent countless hours sweating and working hard to strengthen her shoulders and legs. Lutz played last year and sat out during the spring, which has proven to be the perfect prescription for her health.
Lutz had a performance to cherish in Kutztown's 3-1 victory over Penn State-Berks Monday evening. She finished with eight kills and six blocks. This season, Lutz has 53 blocks and 35 kills.
“It feels really good to be on the court and contributing,” Lutz said. “I am really enjoying myself this year and I feel a lot better. Now, I don't have to go home and have to put about 50 icebags on my body this year.”
The Golden Bears have embodied Lutz's steely spirit. Kutztown has spent the early part of the season overcoming deficits, playing hard to the final point and continuing to develop a winning chemistry. After easily winning the first game against CHC, the Golden Bears immediately dug a 13-2 hole in the second game. They battled back and eventually overtook Chestnut Hill in the second game.
The lessons learned in tight situations should serve the Golden Bears well as they begin Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division play against Cheyney and West Chester this weekend. Although, Kutztown dropped three matches last weekend in PSAC crossovers, it believes it is a stronger team for having had gone through that experience.
Lutz and Gump joke with each other that her bandaged body makes her feel twice her age. She wants to be an elementary school teacher after she earns her degree. Lutz's pleasant personality has been a winner with her teammates, who are all happy to have her on the floor.
“She means a lot to us,” Celia said. “It's good to have her back and healthy as much as she is taped up. She's a big asset for us. I feel very comfortable playing defense behind her. It's been really good having her back.”
Kutztown returns to action Friday afternoon when it travels back to Cheyney University. This time, the Golden Bears will play the Wolves in a doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. The next home game for Kutztown is Saturday afternoon when it hosts PSAC East rival West Chester in a matinee beginning at 1 p.m.
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