PELLA, Iowa &045; Katie Pederson of Lake Mills is a member of the Central College volleyball team.

The Dutch may be entering their most difficult yet interesting season in recent history when they open up their 2002 campaign. Central could possibly be without a single returning starter after four graduated last year, including an All-American.

Entering her 12th year as head coach of the Dutch, Megan Clayberg will have a brand new challenge ahead of her. Clayberg coached Central to many years of dominance, including three consecutive Division III national championships from 1998 to 2000. Central has 11 letterwinners on the roster but few played on those successful championship teams. Not only will Central finally fall back into the pack for the first time in a long time, but also on the line for the Dutch is their string of six straight Iowa Conference championships.

Central is currently ranked 14th in the most recent NCAA Division III standings.

The Dutch own a 5-5 record with a victory over 16th-ranked Ohio Northern to their credit.

Pederson was a standout on last year’s Lake Mills High School team that reached the Iowa state tournament.