San Benito adopts defensive style of play, beats Alisal Tuesday,
North Salinas on Thursday night
HOLLISTER
San Benito girls volleyball coach Dean Askanas had a revelation last week.
During practice last Thursday while conducting a cross-court pepper drill, Askanas noticed his defensive specialists – liberos Shayna Nakata and Sam Klauer – hit just as well as anyone else on the court.
So instead of keeping them in the back, Askanas went the other way and introduced a rather unconventional lineup, moving Nakata and Klauer to the outside, and having Sara Yamasaki at the libero.
“We have a short offense,” Nakata said, “but obviously, it works.”
After going 2-2 at the Harbor Invitational, in what was a step in the right direction, Askanas said, the Lady ‘Balers have opened up their Tri-County Athletic League season with a pair of wins – all with a defensive mindset.
On Tuesday, San Benito beat Alisal in three games (25-14, 25-19, 25-21), while on Thursday against a strong North Salinas squad, the Lady ‘Balers rolled to another three-game sweep (25-21, 25-23, 25-17).
“I felt like every time I was taking one of them off, I was giving something up,” Askanas said. “We’re small everywhere, with the exception of the middles, who are big and physical. But it’s working. I think our defense is really top-notch right now.”
On Thursday, San Benito had an impressive 91 combined digs in three games against North Salinas, with Klauer leading the way with 24. Yamasaki added 23.
“That’s what we’re based on,” Askanas said. “We’re trying to wear a team out with defense, and that’s a lot of digs.”
Klauer said the move to outside was nerve-racking, considering the spot was previously occupied by all-league player Bri Romero.
“I had big shoes to fill … but I’m up for it,” Klauer said. “It’s really fun and it keeps me in the game at all times and it keeps me focused.
“Getting used to the whole hitting thing was tough, but I’m up for it now.”
Nakata had 15 digs and eight kills to lead the Lady ‘Balers, and Askanas noted his former libero’s arm control as one of the reasons for her move to the outside.
“I love it. It’s my favorite,” Nakata said of the move to outside. “I miss playing libero. It’s an important position, but outside is just as important and just as fun.
“We’re just going out there and doing our best.”
After the first two games were close on Thursday, San Benito began to find a groove in the third game, working out to a 7-0 lead to start.
North Salinas was able to close the lead late in the game, trailing 17-15 at one point, but several Viking errors supplied the Lady ‘Balers with another comfortable lead.
Megan Halstead, who had four blocks and seven kills, provided the game-winning kill to finish off the match.
Setter Justine Hunter delivered another great game, Askanas said, with 16 service points, 12 digs and 25 assists. Courtney Scarlett had 11 digs and six kills.
San Benito (8-11) is at Everett Alvarez on Tuesday.
“We’re moving in the right direction,” Askanas said.
