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--> --> June 5: Elliott signs seven to play at Southern By Bobby Heiken Ashland Daily Tidings Southern Oregon University head volleyball coach Paul Elliott went the distance in recruiting following the 2000 season and didn't let the boundaries of Oregon hold him back. Elliott announced today the signing of seven new Raiders, including five from out of state. Dani Arlyn and Kallie Greatwood come from Oregon, but the remaining five will need to pack their bags. Jessie Gershater (Flagstaff, Ariz.), Jamie McCreary (Minden, Nev.), Mandi Sharpe (Mabton, Wash.), Abbie Stewart (Houston, Tex.) and Kelly Thoni (Castro Valley, Calif.) all will call Ashland home this fall. "The main reason we are successful out of state is because of how strong our club team is," Elliott said. "It's a lot of word-of-mouth recruiting. People find out what a great place to go to school this is, and that it is has a good volleyball program." Last year's team went 22-12, advanced to the Cascade Conference playoffs for the 13 straight year and appeared in the conference title game. But SOU also lost all-conference setter Jamie Csoros and several key defensive stars. Arlyn, a sophomore setter, should fit right into Elliott's plans. "Dani had a very successful freshman season and she'll be a great leader," Elliott said. "She's quick, jumps well and has the mental and physical ability to play a challenging position. But she's going to have to work hard for a starting position." Arlyn was MVP at last year's Northwest junior college tournament while playing for Linn-Benton Community College. As a prep she was a first-team West Valley League all-star from Santiam Christian High in Corvallis. Also vying for playing time at either setter or defensive specialist are McCreary and Gershater. McCreary was a first-team all-conference selection while leading Douglas High to back-to-back Nevada Class 4A runner-up finishes, and Gershater was a member of two district titles at Flagstaff High. Elliott also is looking for spots in his defense to be filled by Sharpe and Stewart. Sharpe was a four-time prep all-star and South Central Conference MVP as a senior at Mabton (Wash.) High, while Stewart was an all-league defender at both Houston Nimitz High and Trinidad State in Texas. "Abbie's (Stewart) strengths are passing and ball control," Elliott said, "and I expect her to start right away and be a key player." Greatwood and Thoni will add to an already potent offensive attack at SOU. The 5-9 Greatwood was a two-time Midwestern League all-star outside hitter at Sheldon High and a four-year starter. Thoni (5-11) is a two-year Hayward Area Athletic League all-star and an All-American swimmer from Castro Valley High. Elliott says he can already see some stars being formed in this class. "Right now our big three are Kelly (Thoni), Dani (Arlyn) and Abbie (Stewart)," he said. "Those three can come right in and make things happen." Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing