Yellowjacket VB Signs Hysham Standout (11/29/05)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings volleyball coach Pa’ulasi Matavao announced this week that Brooke Zent of Hysham, Mont., his signed a national letter of intent to play for the Yellowjackets next season.  Zent signed her NLI during the NCAA’s early signing period that ran November 9-16.  The regular NLI signing period will begin April 12.

The 6-foot-1 Zent is an all-state middle blocker at Hysham High School.  She led the Pirates to a second place finish at the recent Class C state tournament.  Hysham was undefeated through the regular season as well as the district and divisional tournaments.  The Pirates dropped their first game of the state tourney before winning four straight to advance to the title match.

Zent earned all-conference volleyball honors all four years at Hysham HS while playing for head coach Bob Fjelstad.  She was named the district MVP as a senior.  Zent has also been a two-time all-conference selection in basketball and a three-time all-state placer in track.

“We’ve been tracking Brooke for two years,” said Matavao.  “She fits our recruiting motto.  She’s a good kid with good support from her family.  As far as volleyball goes, we think we’re looking at a kid that can dominate in our conference.  She’s had good coaching in high school, which makes it easier for us to work her into our system right away.”

The Yellowjackets finished second at the Heartland Conference Championship Tournament this season and will return all eight players from that 20-8 team.  MSU Billings had three all-conference first team selections and should be one of the favorites in the Heartland next season.