The first time the San Benito Lady ‘Balers played Homestead was
last weekend at the Milpitas Spikefest.
Hollister – The first time the San Benito Lady ‘Balers played Homestead was last weekend at the Milpitas Spikefest. San Benito won in straight games 2-0.
On Tuesday, the Lady ‘Balers hosted Homestead in a non-league contest, and Coach Dean Askanas figured the visiting Mustangs would be better suited to play San Benito, as they would know what to expect this time around.
At Mattson Gym on Tuesday, San Benito won in straight games 3-0.
“We beat them 2-0 over the weekend, but I thought they were having an off game,” Askanas said. “This time, we just played really well. We played very good defense.”
The two teams have a history with one another, as San Benito defeated Homestead in the Central Coast Section Division I championship last year, and on Tuesday, they defeated Homestead 25-15, 25-20, 25-21.
“They’re definitely making strides in the right direction,” Askanas said of his team.
Junior middle blocker Megan Halstead provided nine blocks, and senior outside hitter Bri Romero supplied seven kills and two blocks.
“Halstead was very impressive in the front row,” Askanas said. “She made a ton of blocks … Bri Romero played great defense and had a lot of key kills … She had a lot of great digs.”
Emily Kortsen, who Askanas said was unstoppable, added 16 kills and two blocks on the night.
The coach also said junior setter Justine Hunter made very good decisions, and found “the right hitter at the right time … She looks like the real deal out there.”
On Thursday, the Lady ‘Balers will look to avenge a loss to Presentation, who defeated San Benito 2-0 at the Milpitas Spikefest last weekend. The match is slated for 6:30pm.
“Presentation is tough. They block really well and are all elite club players,” Askanas said. “I told the girls, if we’re going to show that we’re better than last year, we need to show that we can beat them because we haven’t beaten them yet.”
