XC
&
amp; VB Post Big Wins
The San Benito boys’ cross country team made quite a statement Saturday at the Chieftain Classic Invitational, using its depth to take first in a loaded field.
The ‘Balers received outstanding performances from Rigo Vasquez and Adrian Rodriguez, who both finished in the top five, as well as top-20 showings from three others, to win a meet that included CCS heavyweights Willow Glen, St. Francis and Carmel.
Vasquez took third in the 142-runner boys’ varsity race at Salinas’ Toro Park in 15:56, and Rodriguez followed close behind at fifth in 16:23. Eddie Trujillo (11th), Erik Rodriguez (15th) and Andrew Yacovone (20th) rounded out the ‘Balers’ stellar showing.
“All the kids put it together and we did what we did,” coach Jess Morales said. “Willow Glen is rated what, second or third in CCS? And St. Francis is ahead of us. It kind of feels good because we went head-to-head with them.”
The Lady ‘Balers finished eighth in the 19-team girls’ varsity competition, with Courtney Allen (ninth in 20:10) leading the way.
San Benito recorded victories over Gilroy Monday in the team’s first Tri-County Athletic League meet of the season, with the ‘Balers winning all but the frosh/soph boys’ division.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
The Lady ‘Balers ran their winning streak to eight matches by winning the Menlo Invitational Saturday, a round-robin tournament at Menlo High.
San Benito (12-2) defeated Sacred Heart Prep, Gunn, Harker, Notre Dame–Belmont and host Menlo to emerge a perfect 5-0, while every other team suffered at least two losses.
Junior Emily Kortsen (62 kills) and senior Chelsea Fowles (98 assists) led the way, while outside hitter Bri Romero notched 28 kills.
The ‘Balers return to the court tonight when they host Gilroy at 6:30pm in their first Tri-County Athletic League match of the year.
BOYS’ WATER POLO
Just as they had in the first day of the Scott Roche Invitational, the ‘Balers split their two games on Saturday at Menlo-Atherton High.
San Benito (6-2) fell behind early to eventually suffer a 9-5 loss to Los Altos, and then recovered to beat Burlingame 11-8 in its final game of the tournament.
David Smith scored twice and Greg Valenzuela notched two assists in the Los Altos loss, while Smith scored six goals and Rory Bloch scored four times and assisted on two other goals in the Burlingame contest.
After his team finished .500 in the tough tournament following a loss to high-powered Bellarmine and a win over Leland Friday, ‘Balers coach Tom Agan was pleased. “The Bellarmine game we’re supposed to lose, and frankly, the Los Altos squad was solid,” said Agan, who identified starting games quicker as something San Benito needs to focus on. “Early season, probably not a bad deal.”
GIRLS’ GOLF
The Lady ‘Balers won their first head-to-head Tri-County Athletic League contest of the season, defeating Monterey 189-193 Monday at Salinas’ Corral de Tierra.
After taking third in last week’s TCAL Jamboree, San Benito used a 41 from medalist Marrissa Gutierrez to help down the Spirits.
Jordan Archer carded a 48, and Danielle Shelton (49) and Katie O’Brien (51) rounded out the encouraging round for the ‘Balers.
“If we can have the girls shoot in the mid- to low-40s, we’ll be solid through the rest of the year,” coach Chris Branon said.
The ‘Balers return to the course today when they play Live Oak, Watsonville, Salinas and Alvarez at San Juan Oaks in a TCAL competition. “We’re going in confident, but we still have to play the game,” said Branon, who hoped his team would fair well in the contest that awards double points in the league standings.
