Burroughs’ Grote gets league’s top girls’ volleyball award for herself

The previous two seasons, Burroughs High girls’ volleyball player Marin Grote had to share the Pacific League’s top honor.

In 2015 she shared the league player of the year award with teammate Danielle Ryan and in 2016 she was one of a trio of players bestowed the accolade.

However, for the 2017 season, Grote stood alone.

The senior outside hitter was named the Pacific League Player of the Year after leading the Indians to the Pacific League championship.

“It was nice to be honored the two previous years even if I had to share it,” said Grote, who is headed to the University of Washington. “But this year to win it by myself is pretty special.

“I am just honored to be able to win something like this. It’s something that means a lot to me. I’m just happy I was able to help the team any way that I could.”

Grote was one of 14 area players who earned all-league honors.

Earning spots on the first team were Indians senior defensive specialist Lizzy Jessen, senior setter Lauren Zedlar and junior outside hitter Juliana Van Loo, along with Burbank senior outside hitter Melissa Daniel.

Second-team recognition went to Glendale senior setter Laila Manaois, sophomore setter Ashley Eskander and sophomore outside hitter Katie Treadway from Burbank, Crescenta Valley junior outside hitter Maya Lightfoot and senior middle Ricki Patenaude of Burroughs.

Junior outside hitter Saku Yoshioka of Glendale, junior outside hitter Selina Miraboian of Hoover, senior middle Erin Lashkari of Burbank, sophomore libero Lizzu Kerman of Crescenta Valley and senior libero/defensive specialist Sabrina Sullivan of Burroughs were honorable mention.

Grote was the focal point for Burroughs, averaging 13 kills a match including 22 and 17 in matches against Arcadia and 21 against Crescenta Valley.

“It was nice to see Marin get the top award to herself this season and she was very deserving,” said Burroughs coach Edwin Real, who didn’t compile complete stats this season. “She clearly stood out in league and she really stepped up in the big-time matches.

“She didn’t have overwhelming stats because she played just a limited time and we would take her out when we were ahead big.”

Van Loo was second on the team in kills, averaging 6.6 a contest.

“Along with being a strong hitter, she was also a very good blocker as well,” Real said. “She would go against the other team’s main hitter at the net and she just did a super job with that.”

Zedlar and Jensen were also keys to the Indians success.

“Lauren was just able to put the ball in the right place for us with a lot of consistency,” Real said. “She was very accurate and also she was very valuable with her defense. She just dug a lot of balls and that really stood out.

“Lizzy was a libero and she was one of our main passers and she played great defense, as well. She knew where she needed to be on the court to give us what we needed. She was able to grasp what we taught and make it work.”

Daniel was Burbank’s most successful player, ending with 201 kills, 107 digs and 22 aces.

“Melissa was our go-to player for the entire season,” said Burbank’s Karl Rojo, who was tri-coach of the year. “She was on varsity all four years and she really made the most of her senior year. She really embraced her role as a leader for us and that showed when she came up big for us in crucial situations.”

While Treadway totaled 59 kills and 38 digs, Lashkari had 55 kills, 19 aces and 10 blocks and Eskander had 31 kills, 24 digs and 13 aces and 318 assists.

Manaois averaged 1.5 blocks and two kills a match and 11 assists, while Yoshioka averaged 3.6 kills a game.

There were not complete stats available for Hoover and Crescenta Valley.