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--> --> Grossmann named all-state Ashland High senior Molly Grossmann is an all-state volleyball star. By AP and the Tidings PORTLAND - Ashland High's Molly Grossmann was named to the Class 4A volleyball all-state team as a capper to a successful career. Grizz junior Marla Morin's naming to the squad is a sign of the things to come. Grossmann, a two-time All-Southern Oregon Conference setter, was named to the state third-team today, while Morin - an all-conference middle blocker - was named to the honorable mention list. Grossmann led the SOC in assists for the second-straight year during the 2001 season. "Molly got her notoriety by being at the big tournaments and being one of the best players at those tournaments," Grizz head coach Josh Rohlfing said. "A lot of this is based on what she's done the past two years. She was the most consistent setter out there." Grossmann was known through her high school career as one of the hardest working athletes at the high school. That hard work continues today even though her prep career is over. "She's still trying to get better," Rohlfing said. "Now she's working on her defense. She was a great all-around setter and now she wants to become a great all-around volleyball player." Grossmann also led the Grizz in serving, committing only two service errors. "That's all about mental focus," Rohlfing said. "She has the ability to step back and block everything out. Not only did she not miss any serves, but she served aggressively." Morin burst on the scene this past year and led the Grizzlies in blocks and kills. "People around here have known how good she could be and now they are recognizing it at the state level," Rohlfing said. "Even in eighth grade and with hardly any experience you could tell that she was going to be good. She's the type of player that works hard and will do anything to make herself and her team better." With the accolades, Morin will have a bullseye on her chest next year, but Rohlfing isn't worried about that. "She won't have to carry all of the load," Rohlfing said. "We have a real solid supporting cast returning that's really going to take some pressure off of her." Gresham senior Sheena Surplus' ability to keep cool under pressure helped her earn the volleyball Class 4A player of the year award. Surplus' grace under fire helped the Gophers through an undefeated season and secure a Class 4A championship. She said she is thankful to be voted player of the year, but diverts the limelight to her teammates. "I don't succeed unless my team succeeds," she said. Gresham's Lori Anderson, who was voted coach of the year after guiding the Gophers to their first state title since 1994, said Surplus deserves the award. 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