The San Benito boys water polo team walked away with a
tournament championship in the tournament hosted last weekend.
Hollister – The San Benito boys water polo team walked away with a tournament championship in the tournament hosted last weekend.
The Haybalers went 3-0 in the tournament and are 4-0 overall.
“There were times when we were really clicking and things were going good,” said Baler coach Tom Agan. “But sometimes we made mistakes. We are nowhere near our potential. And this team has a ton of potential. Overall I’m really pleased.”
San Benito opened the tournament again San Lorenzo Valley. The Balers won 11-4 against the younger, less experienced team.
Lucas Zepeda had four goals in the first quarter. And starters Blane Curtice and Zach Bainter also added a goal before being pulled after the first quarter to give some other players some time in the water.
Chris Easton, Joel Smith, Greg Valenzuela and James Schafer added goals for the Balers. Even goalie Alex Marks was able to contribute offensively after fireing a ball all the way down the length of the pool for a goal.
In the second game, San Benito got a look at league opponent Salinas, who the Balers will play at Hartnell College in Salinas on Sept. 16. The Balers won a tight 8-6 contest.
“I didn’t want to play Salinas yet,” Agan said. “I am definitely concerned about playing them again. I don’t like playing league games ahead of time. I had to show some of my cards that I didn’t want to show yet.”
San Benito maintained a tight lead throughout the game, going ahead 3-1 at the end of the first quarter, 5-3 at the half and 7-5 after the third.
Bainter and Zepeda each had three goals. And brothers Dave and Joel Smith had a goal each.
The championship game against Woodside was another close game. San Benito eventually won 16-14.
The Balers were ahead until the fourth quarter. San Benito held an 8-5 lead at halftime. But Woodside tied the score at 11-11 at the end of the third and took a 13-11 lead in the fourth.
“We had to make some major adjustments the way the game was being called,” Agan said. “And that is tough to do. It took us a little bit of time to realize that they were calling a tigher game. I like a more technical game, but you can’t do it in the middle of the game. I was pleased the guys were able to make adjustments.”
Bainter and Dave Smith had four goals each for the Balers. Zepeda, Curtice and Joel Smith added two goals.
Logan Kratzer gave the Balers a strong effort in the 2-meter defense spot throughout the tournament.
