Boys’ Polo Hangs with Tough Bells; Girls’ tennis on the climb
despite recent losses
The San Benito boys’ water polo team knew it was bound to face some tough programs when it entered the Scott Roche Invitational, and sure enough, the ‘Balers drew Bellarmine to start the tournament. But even though they suffered an 11-3 loss to the Bells, the gold standard in the sport, the ‘Balers walked away encouraged by their performance Friday at Menlo-Atherton High.
San Benito (5-1) played Bellarmine to a halftime draw at 2-2, before eventually losing its first contest of the season. ‘Balers coach Tom Agan was thrilled with his team’s play overall, saying “I was really proud of our guys for staying with them that far.”
The Bells have won eight straight Central Coast Section championships, and 19 of the past 21 titles.
San Benito went on to defeat Leland 7-5 later Friday, overcoming a 4-3 halftime deficit.
Agan said his players stepped up their level of play in the elite, 16-team tournament hosted by Menlo High. “Everyone had to play (good) water polo to get as far as we have,” he said.
The ‘Balers play twice more today at Menlo-Atherton, the first an 11am contest against the winner of Friday’s Torrey Pines–El Dorado contest.
GIRLS’ TENNIS
The San Benito girls’ tennis team dropped its second match of the week Thursday, falling 5-2 at Carmel. But ‘Balers head coach Ed Cecena said he can see the strides his players are making.
“Even though the score looks lopsided, there’s really a lot of improvement going on,” Cecena said. “Overall, we’re progressing.”
No. 1 singles player Amanda Marshall won her match 7-6, 6-2, and the ‘Balers’ No. 2 doubles team of Elena Fata and Rachel Maheu won 6-2, 6-3.
San Benito hosts Gilroy in a Tri-County Athletic League match at Ridgemark on Tuesday at 3:30pm.
