San Benito’s Luis Espinoza named coach of the year
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.
San Benito’s Luis Espinoza named coach of the year
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.
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 today, 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).
Match time is 7 p.m.
