San Benito cross country teams enjoy banner day in wins over
Salinas
After its emotional win over Live Oak Friday, the San Benito girls’ water polo team wasted no time winning the championship of the Independence Sixer Tournament. The Lady ‘Balers scored four times in the first quarter, a lead they parlayed into a 8-5 win over Saratoga and the tournament title on Saturday.
“They were ready to play,” ‘Balers coach Lacey Sutton said of her players. “I think we’re at a good point in our season, where it’s strong and everyone’s realizing that the hard work really pays off.”
It certainly did in this tournament. After defeating former league rival Live Oak 5-3 to open play, and following up with a 7-4 triumph over Clovis East, San Benito came into the championship game confident.
The ‘Balers (8-2) again spread their offense around, receiving four goals from 2-meter player Katie Buzzetta and two each from Kirsten Palm and Jayme Telles against the Falcons. Goalie Sarah Yoldi finished with six saves, and Shelli Reed notched four steals.
Buzzetta, Telles, Reed and Stephanie Rodriguez were named to the All-Tournament team.
“We’re really working well together,” Sutton said. “Our ball-handling skills and our passing are really nice. I think we’re learning to depend on each other, learning to depend to help each other out.”
The ‘Balers return to action by hosting Watsonville in a Tri-County Athletic League game today at 4:30pm.
CROSS COUNTRY
The San Benito cross country program enjoyed its best showing against Salinas in recent memory Monday, nearly sweeping the Cowboys in a Tri-County Athletic League meet at Toro Park. The ‘Balers prevailed in both varsity races, and overall won all but the frosh/soph girls’ division.
“It’s a good showing that everyone went there for a reason,” ‘Balers boys coach Jess Morales said.
The San Benito boys’ varsity posted a perfect score by taking the top-five places, beating host Salinas 15-40. Senior Rigo Vasquez paved the way with his 16:46 race.
Frank Ribera finished second in 17:41, and was followed closely by Adrian and Erik Rodriguez (both 17:42) and Eddie Trujillo (17:46).
The Lady ‘Balers’ varsity team had a tougher time securing its victory, tying the Cowboys at 28 in regulation. San Benito won the race thanks to its sixth-place finisher, Allison Meyer, topping her Salinas counterpart. Courtney Allen (20:37) and AnnMari Rich (20:52) enjoyed the strongest afternoon for the girls.
With multiple runners returning from injury layoffs, girls’ coach Josh Morales said he was glad his team pulled out the win. “Even on a bad day, they can run with a pretty good school,” he said. “Later on, I think we should be able to take it to ’em.”
The San Benito JV boys’ team, with Andrew Yacovone leading the way, won 23-34. The ‘Balers won the JV girls’ race 23-33.
San Benito heads north this weekend to the Stanford Invitational.
