San Benito defeats Alisal in three games Thursday and improves
to 2-2 in the TCAL
Salinas
The San Benito boys volleyball team made it two wins in a row Thursday when they defeated host Alisal in three games (25-17, 26-24, 25-22) and evened their Tri-County Athletic League record at 2-2.
The ‘Balers, which started the season 0-9, have since found their footing in the TCAL and, according to coach Luis Espinoza, are coming together as a team.
“They played as a team and that was the main thing. That’s all we hope for,” Espinoza said. “When they play as a team, they’re able to win. For us coaches, that’s all you could want.”
Adrian Rodriguez had 24 assists for San Benito, and teammates Elijah Pollard, Erik Rodriguez and Roy Powell came in with nine, seven and six kills, respectively.
“He’s distributing the ball a lot better,” Espinoza said. “And our serving got a lot better, too.”
The ‘Balers had 10 service aces, with David De La Cruz leading the way with four. De La Cruz also added a team-high 20 digs, and Espinoza said he’s taken over the captain role.
“Team chemistry is a huge thing that all coaches try to achieve,” said Espinoza, who recently took the team to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. “We just had a fun time and that gives the guys a chance to learn each other off the court instead of just on the court.
“David De La Cruz has been consistent and the guys respect him … Whatever needs to be done on the court, he’ll do it and the guys follow.”
San Benito will remain on the road come Tuesday when they’ll battle the Palma Chieftains in Salinas at 6:30 p.m.
