San Benito defeated Gilroy 10-5 in the opening game between the
two Tri-County Athletic League opponents Wednesday.
The Haybalers received six goals from Kathryn Adamek and used a
strong defensive transition game to win the opener.
By NATHAN MIXTER
Sports Editor
Hollister – San Benito defeated Gilroy 10-5 in the opening game between the two Tri-County Athletic League opponents Wednesday.
The Haybalers received six goals from Kathryn Adamek and used a strong defensive transition game to win the opener.
“We were able to shut down the hole,” Adamek said. “We played together well, shutting them down on defense and reacting on offense.”
San Benito (1-0) got off to a 2-0 lead behind goals from Natalie Smith and Jordan Telles.
Gilroy (0-1) scored a goal to get within 2-1 with 1:24 left in the first, but San Benito answered right back less than a minute later.
“We didn’t play our best game against Hollister,” said Lauren Ross, who had five goals for the Mustangs. “It was good to score some goals because we haven’t been able to score that much. We’ve been working a lot on our swimming. As seniors, we will step it up.”
The other Gilroy goal was scored by Kim Spaulding. San Benito also got offensive contributions from Brandy Russell and Kirsten Palm, who each had a goal.
The Balers kept the game just out of reach, answering whenever the Mustangs threatened. Feeding on their defense, the Balers moved the ball around and were able to create some open looks.
“We had to play defense to beat them,” said Baler coach Derek Kisling. “Getting open in this pool can be hard to do because it is so small. We wanted to move around to get good shots off. But we still have some work to do though.”
Gilroy was able to catch Hollister on transition for a couple goals.
“They got some shooters, and we didn’t honor them enough,” Kisling said.
Alyssa Habing, one of Gilroy’s top young prospects, was ejected from the game early on for failing to get back quick enough on a foul. Habing, who played with the Mustang JV team last year, transferred to Gilroy from Notre Dame.
“Hollister is a good team,” said Gilroy coach Andy Been. “We made some mistakes. But the seniors took charge. They were all real boisterous and were telling each other where to go. We’ll get better with experience.”
