The TCAL will be hosting its ninth annual Boys’ Volleyball
Senior All-Star Game on Friday at San Benito High School’s Mattson
Gym. The contest will showcase the talents of the TCAL’s volleyball
players, as schools from the North (Gilroy, Watsonville and San
Benito) will battle the best from the South (Monterey, Seaside,
Salinas, Alisal and Palma)
HOLLISTER
Following its best season in eight years, in which it compiled a perfect 14-0 record in the Tri-County Athletic League, the San Benito Haybalers were rightfully rewarded with three first team selections recently, the most of any team in the league.
Senior outside hitter Erik Rodriguez, opposite Luis Bradley and libero Danny Ruiz were all named to the 10-person first team for 2009. Rodriguez led the ‘Balers in kills with 261 and averaged 3.0 per set, tops in the TCAL, while the defensive specialist Ruiz provided 332 digs, the most in the league.
Bradley, meanwhile, posted impressive statistics for San Benito in nearly every category, including 153 kills (3rd on the team), 184 digs (2nd), 26 aces (3rd) and 169 points (3rd) from the service line. Rodriguez added 32 blocks (5th), 26 aces (2nd) and a team-high 202 service points, while Ruiz supplied 19 aces (4th) and 158 service points (4th).
While the league’s MVP went to Gilroy’s Greg Calimpong, San Benito’s Luis Espinoza took home coach of the year honors. Espinoza led the ‘Balers to a 23-8 overall record and its first TCAL championship since 2001, not to mention its first trip to the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs in eight years.
“Anytime they come back to this gym, they can look up at that banner,” Espinoza said last week, following his team’s match with Homestead. “They can see the numeral ’09’ up there.
“I’m just happy for them.”
San Benito lost to Homestead in the CCS quarterfinals in three games, although it was just the fourth trip to the postseason the ‘Balers have experienced in 13 years. Following the match, Espinoza announced he wouldn’t be returning next season, with plans of completing his teaching credential as well as earning his masters.
Meanwhile, ‘Baler seniors Javier Castaneda and Adrian Rodriguez were also recognized for all-league honors, as each was named second team all-TCAL. Castaneda was third on the team in digs (165), while the setter Rodriguez provided a league-high total of 821 assists, an average of 9.3 a set.
Senior right side Brian Hawks was named to the sportsmanship team, while Alex Alvarez, Roy Powell and Jakob Rice were given honorable mention.
The TCAL will be hosting its ninth annual Boys’ Volleyball Senior All-Star Game on Friday at San Benito High School’s Mattson Gym. The contest will showcase the talents of the TCAL’s volleyball players, as schools from the North (Gilroy, Watsonville and San Benito) will battle the best from the South (Monterey, Seaside, Salinas, Alisal and Palma).
Espinoza will coach the North team on Friday, while Monterey’s Israel Ricardez will coach the South.
Match time is 7 p.m.
