It’s not every day that a coach is pleased with his squad’s
performance in a losing effort.
San Juan Bautista – It’s not every day that a coach is pleased with his squad’s performance in a losing effort.
But on Thursday, Anzar coach Chris Wardlaw held that sentiment as his Hawks volleyball team fell in five games to first-place and undefeated Pacific Grove in San Juan Bautista.
“We lost in five, but they did pretty well,” Wardlaw said. The visiting Breakers edged Anzar 25-23, 23-25, 25-12, 11-25, 15-13. The Hawks now sit 3-2 in the Mission Trail Athletic League, 6-9 overall.
At the beginning of the season, Wardlaw said Pacific Grove would likely be near the top of the MTAL with the play of Alex Bell. On Thursday, Bell had a game-high 30 kills.
“They’ve got some players, but they really rely on her,” Wardlaw said. “She pretty much had free reign. Next time, we’ll definitely be ready.”
Although the Hawks had a difficult time stopping Bell, the Breakers had a tough time digging out Christina Flores, who had 17 kills Thursday.
“They had no answer for Flores,” Wardlaw said.
While Anzar forced a fifth game, they nearly stole the match after holding a 9-6 lead in the deciding game. But, as Wardlaw said, “Anytime they needed to stop a run, they gave it to [Bell].
“If we can contain her next time, I have no doubt that we can beat them.”
Anzar’s Erin Deleissegues provided 13 kills and 27 digs against Pacific Grove, while Jaclyn Wiley contributed 10 kills and 11 digs. Setter Kerstin Tuning had 28 assists on the night.
Aside from Bell’s 30 kills, Pacific Grove setter Melissa Longueira had 46 assists.
“We showed a lot of heart,” the coach said. “I’m pleased with the scores, but I wish we won.”
The Hawks will play at Robert Louis Stevenson on Tuesday.
