Skylights add first volleyball recruit for 2004

Montana State University-Northern volleyball coach Lisa Handley has inked her first recruit for the 2004 season.

Heidi Fritchman, a 5-10 right side hitter, has signed an NAIA national letter of intent to play for the Skylights.

Fritchman comes to Northern from Walla Walla Community College where she notched 294 kills, 97 blocks, 71 digs and 45 assists.

In her two years at Walla Walla, she accumulated 449 kills, 161 blocks, 143 digs and 52 assists. She was also named team captain as a sophomore while earning All-Star honor.

"The team and I are very excited that Heidi decided to come to MSU-Northern," Handley said.

Fritchman, who hails from Orofino, Idaho, is also a solid student and was given the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges' Scholar Student Athlete award.

With the Skylights losing Tanja Bruski, Mitsu Phillips and Emmy Olson to graduation, bringing in a player who can contribute immediately was a must for Handley. Fritchman, who brings physical strength along with strong hitting should fill one of those spots.

"To bring in a junior college transfer like Heidi, with her court time and playing capabilities, will help us accomplish our goals of making it to regionals next year," Handley said.

The Skylights are in the midst of winter conditioning with the spring season beginning in the coming months.