Despite a slow start that resulted in a 1-0 deficit, the San
Benito Lady ‘Balers bested Monte Vista Christian 3-2 Monday in
Watsonville.
Watsonville
Despite a slow start that resulted in a 1-0 deficit, the San Benito Lady ‘Balers bested Monte Vista Christian 3-2 Monday in Watsonville.
Returning from the Thanksgiving holiday, San Benito (2-0-0) played their first game in 10 days since a 6-1 win over Seaside on Nov. 16. And while the long and twisting route to Watsonville spelled sickness for some Lady ‘Balers, they thwarted MVC’s strong defense from making it an even longer ride home.
“We came out kind of flat … It took us a while to get going,” coach Mike Schurig said. “The girls played together and we were at their end for much of the last half of the game. They actually had a pretty good defense – good speed.”
After MVC got on the scoreboard in the 16th minute, San Benito responded with two quick goals in the 26th and the 27th minute. On the former, Sophie Coelho assisted Hannah Cobb to tie the game, while Coelho then assisted Yaira Lizarraga one minute later to give San Benito a one-goal lead.
San Benito increased their lead to two goals in the second half, when Coelho assisted Cobb once again in the 43rd minute.
Trailing 3-1, MVC would cut in to the deficit in the 57th minute on a penalty kick. San Benito was called for a hand ball inside the box, but the free kick was all MVC would get late in the game.
Emily Key made 10 saves for San Benito, who took 11 shots of their own on offense.
The Lady ‘Balers won’t have as much of a layoff for their next game, as they’ll travel to Morgan Hill Wednesday to take on Live Oak. Game time is 3 p.m.
San Benito’s home-opener will be held Friday against Santa Catalina.
