San Benito boys win 18-39, Lady ‘Balers even better with 17-41
victory against Trojans
HOLLISTER
The San Benito cross country team finished their regular season on a very strong note Monday when they defeated a visiting Alisal team in both the boys and girls races at Hollister’s Park Hill.
The ‘Baler boys raced to the first three spots to beat the Trojans, 18-39, while the Lady ‘Balers did one better, earning the top four spots en route to a 17-41 victory.
Courtney Allen ran to the best time in 20:10, and teammates Rachel Shimabukuro (21:19), Dayna Casillas (21:46) and Grace Tobias (21:54) finished in second, third and fourth place, respectively.
After a pair of Alisal runners crossed the finish line, San Benito’s Vanessa Farias (23:05) and Ana Rosa Duarte (23:19) rounded out the Lady ‘Balers in seventh and eighth place.
Coach Jess Morales said Alisal, which is rebuilding its program, showed a lot of potential.
“They came out, they had fun and they said they liked the course,” Morales said.
Although many opposing teams fear Park Hill, with its brutal hills, dusty atmosphere and usually scorching temperatures, the ‘Baler boys seemed to like it just fine on Monday.
Frankie Rivera (17:10), Adrian Rodriguez (17:25) and Jose Castillo (17:32) went 1-2-3 for San Benito, while Eddie Guzman (17:48) finished fifth.
“We had four guys under 18 minutes, which is real good at our course,” Morales said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had four guys under 18 minutes there.”
Jorge Aguilar (19:17) and Jeremy Chase (19:50) took seventh and eighth place, respectively, to round out San Benito.
Monday’s meet marked the last regular-season meet of the year for San Benito, which will now prepare for the TCAL Championships, scheduled for Nov. 1 at Toro Park.
