The San Benito Haybalers’ run for the Central Coast Section
championship title ended in disappointment Saturday night in a
marathon five game match played before a large and spirited crowd
at West Valley College.
San Jose – The San Benito Haybalers’ run for the Central Coast Section championship title ended in disappointment Saturday night in a marathon five game match played before a large and spirited crowd at West Valley College.
The No. 1 seeded ‘Balers battled hard before falling to No. 3 seed Carlmont in the championship match, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 20-25, 20-18.
Nancy Lazenby Blaser, commissioner of the CCS, was so impressed with the sportsmanship of the athletes, coaches and fans during the match that she posted a note on the CCS website.
Blaser wrote, “Congratulations to Carlmont and San Benito. A great match, on and off the court. Your community should be proud of the volleyball players and also the other students in attendance. It was a moment that reminded me of all the good things about High School sports. I was proud to be a small part of that.”
At 6-foot, sophomore Emily Kortsen, who lead the ‘Balers in kills during the season, finished with 29 kills, 16 digs, four assists, three aces and one block in the loss. Teammate Chelsea Fowles contributed 47 assists, 13 digs, eight kills, four blocks and one ace. The 5-foot-10 junior lead San Benito in both aces and assists this season.
With first year head coach Dean Askanas at the helm San Benito went undefeated in the Tri County Athletic League and finished with a 35-5 record overall.
In their run up to the championship game the ‘Balers defeated Monte Vista in three straight games in the quarterfinal and won a long five game battle with Homestead in the semifinal.
