Jackets Sign Huntley Volleyball Player (May 6, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings volleyball coach Pa’ulasi Matavao announced this week that Jessica Lechner of Pompeys Pillar, Mont., has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Yellowjackets next season.

Lechner will graduate from Huntley Project High School this spring.  A two sport standout at Huntley Project, Lechner lettered three times in volleyball and twice in basketball.  She earned all-conference and academic all-state honors in both sports.

The Red Devils have been the best Class B volleyball team in the state for the past two seasons, winning back-to-back state titles.  Lechner was a second team all-conference selection as a junior and earned first team honors last season.  She set the school record with 29 kills in a match and finished her career ranked seventh in school history with 770 kills.

“I chose MSU Billings for many different reasons,” said Lechner.  “I wanted to be close to my family and friends and stay in Montana.  Also, Coach P was very kind and generous to me.  I felt comfortable and am excited to get started in his program.  The campus is nice and so are the people that I have met there.  All of my experiences there have been very inviting.”

The Yellowjackets were 14-11 last season for the best winning percentage in school history.  They will be leaving the Pacific West Conference in 2005 to join the Heartland Conference.