Sophomore learns from summer play

During her freshman year as a Hoosier water polo team member, sophomore Krista Peterson was effective for the Hoosiers. She was the third leading scorer on the team with 50 goals and led the team in assists with 30. Although her freshmen year was impressive, Peterson said she has improved this year largely due to her participation on the Junior National Water Polo team this summer. \n"Her summer with Junior Nationals really helped her on the defensive end," Coach Barry King said. "The biggest improvement I see in her is on the defensive end where she has made really big strides." \nPeterson credits a lot of her improvement to the experience she gained this summer. \n"I gained a lot more experience by playing in a lot of games," Peterson said. "This summer really helped a lot playing with such good players."\nAt the summer games Peterson was a member of the gold medal winning USA team. In the five games played Peterson scored seven goals and was first team All-America.\nBefore starting her collegiate career Peterson was a four-time varsity letter winner in both swimming and water polo in her hometown of Portland, Ore. At Sunset High School she was named MVP of her swim team in 2000 and 2001 and MVP of the water polo team in 2000.\nWith 17 goals so far this season Peterson is second behind senior All-American Kristin Stanford in scoring. She also has 13 assists.\nFreshman Emily Schmitt said Peterson is a key player both offensively and defensively and someone other players look to during a set.\nCoach King said Peterson has become a force both offensively and defensively. \n"Her versatility is her biggest thing," King said. "She can be outside on the perimeter and shoot the ball with authority." \nAlong with her physical play, King said Peterson's passion for the game is a key to her success. \n"She plays the game with great passion and joy," King said.\nWith the last half of the season left, Peterson is sure to be a strong force for the Hoosiers. \n"She is definitely in top condition and her endurance is great," Schmitt said. "She will get better as the season goes on"