After falling to Notre Dame in 4, San Benito returns to win
column with sweep of Alisal
HOLLISTER
The San Benito Lady ‘Balers “caught a breath of fresh air” on Thursday night when they defeated a visiting Alisal team in three games at Mattson Gym in Hollister.
San Benito won 25-15, 25-21, 25-8 to improve to 5-2 in the Tri-County Athletic League, and 11-18 overall.
“I think it was good for them to feel that confidence again,” coach Dean Askanas said. “This game was a chance to build that confidence.”
Askanas said the team was able to breath a little bit after losing six straight matches, including Tuesday’s TCAL loss at Notre Dame. Prior to that, San Benito went 0-5 at a tournament in Menlo, although the Lady ‘Balers did play against some of the best teams in the Central Coast Section, including four teams that were ranked in the top 15 by the San Jose Mercury News.
Askanas, who has been changing the lineup frequently this season, went back to his previous lineup on Thursday against Alisal, where defensive specialists Sam Klauer, Shayna Nakata and Sara Yamasaki were on the floor.
Askanas then went even smaller, putting outside hitter Chelsea Freitas at the middle position.
Despite the rotation, San Benito easily defeated the Trojans in three games for the second time this season.
Klauer led San Benito with nine kills and had 15 digs, while the libero Yamasaki contributed a team-high 21 digs. Nakata had 15 digs, and Justine Hunter and Courtney Scarlett each added nine digs apiece.
San Benito will visit North Salinas on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
