San Benito increases second-place lead with 3-0 win at
Alvarez
Salinas
Sophie Coelho scored two of San Benito’s three second-half goals Wednesday, and the Lady ‘Balers picked up a big 3-0 win over Everett Alvarez in Salinas.
The victory, coupled with North Salinas’ 3-1 loss to Alisal Wednesday, increases San Benito’s second-place standing in the Tri-County Athletic League.
With 16 points to their name, the Lady ‘Balers hold a five-point lead on the Vikings with just three games remaining.
San Benito (5-3-1 TCAL) will host North Salinas (2-2-5 TCAL) on Friday in Hollister. A San Benito win would eliminate the Vikings from top-two contention in the TCAL.
Alisal and Salinas, both of which have 10 points, still have four games remaining and an outside chance of a top-two spot.
“Every game is important now,” coach Mike Schurig said. “We still need to make sure every game is important … We do have a chance for an automatic qualification as long as we keep second place.”
Despite a scoreless first half, the Lady ‘Balers held their standing in the TCAL with a quick strike in the first minute of play.
In the 41st minute, Rachel Maheu hooked up with Coelho for her first score of the game, and gave San Benito all they would need to upend the Eagles.
“We controlled the flow of the game, but we were moving a little slow,” Schurig said. “We just couldn’t finish.”
The Lady ‘Balers took 20 shots on net against Alvarez, with 10 in each half, while the Eagles were only able to penetrate San Benito’s defense for five shots on net.
Despite the shutout, San Benito keeper Kelli Shingai had just two saves in the game.
“We are in sole possession of second place …” Schurig said. “Hopefully, we’ll keep that going.”
San Benito kept the offense going later in the second half, when Sara Yamasaki’s throw-in was one-touched into the net by Coelho in the 70th minute of regulation.
The Lady ‘Balers got another late goal when Hannah Cobb assisted JC Clayton in the 79th minute to make it 3-nil.
San Benito will look to keep their lead Friday at home when they host North Salinas at 3:30 p.m.
Due to the poor field conditions at Andy Hardin Stadium, the game will be played on the back field of San Benito High School, where the varsity team had previously played earlier this season.
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