Hollister
Despite being a championship match, which are usually
highlighted by the unknown between two teams, there isn’t a whole
lot of secrets separating San Benito and Homestead.
Hollister
Despite being a championship match, which are usually highlighted by the unknown between two teams, there isn’t a whole lot of secrets separating San Benito and Homestead.
The two volleyball powerhouses will meet tonight – again – at Independence High School for the Division I Central Coast Section Girls Volleyball Championship, although don’t expect either team to unveil any new strategies.
No. 2 San Benito (27-10) and No. 1 Homestead (26-10) have already played each other three times this season, not including last year’s CCS championship, and Dean Askanas called it a wash since Homestead knows all of San Benito’s tricks and vice versa.
“We’re both coming in knowing what’s going on,” Askanas said. “[Homestead coach Matt Hoffman] is a very smart coach. He’s been watching us a lot, and I’ve been watching them a lot. So there shouldn’t be any surprises. They’re tough and we have to play our best game.”
In their three previous matchups, it’s been feast or famine for the two teams.
At the Milpitas Spikefest on Sept. 1, San Benito won 2-0 (25-21, 25-17). At a match in Hollister on Sept. 4, San Benito won again, this time 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-21).
But on Sept. 15 at the Westmont Invitational, Homestead defeated the Lady ‘Balers 2-0 (25-14, 25-22).
Expecting another sweep for the winning team in the championship match tonight might be a little foolish, especially since the last time these teams played each other was two months ago.
But Askanas did get to witness Homestead’s semifinal win over Salinas in three games (25-18, 25-17, 25-15).
“I thought Salinas played poorly, but (Homestead) is a quality team and they’ve definitely improved,” Askanas said. “They were hitting on all cylinders and that’s what we need to be doing on Saturday night.”
While San Benito has no doubt had the more difficult route to the championship round, defeating No. 7 Mt. Pleasant and No. 3 Carlmont, they were more or less allowed to prepare for individual players on those specific teams.
As Askanas pointed out, though, you can’t prepare for individuals with Homestead, you must prepare for their entire team.
Anchored by junior Katherine Fischer, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter for the Mustangs, Homestead will also be led by outside hitter Tori Carroll and middle blockers Justine Wales and Allie Fickett.
“Now we have four hitters, one of them being exceptional (Fischer), and three being very good,” Askanas said. “It’s definitely the biggest test. They’re a good, well balanced team, both offensively and defensively, but I think we are too.”
With the road the Lady ‘Balers endured to get to the championship, Askanas thinks San Benito’s weaknesses were exposed before the title match, leaving time to remedy any and all problems.
Additionally, the Lady ‘Balers were given a scare on Wednesday in a five-game battle with Carlmont, but pulled out a “gutsy” win.
“I’m always glad to play better competition to get ready for better competition,” Askanas said. “For us to fight it out (against Carlmont) and fight our way back was truly amazing.
“I don’t think it was a fluke. Emily (Kortsen), Bri (Romero) and Ali (Sharp) are exceptionally strong-minded athletes and exceptionally strong willed.”
Perseverance and confidence will come into play tonight at 7 p.m. in San Jose, where Homestead will be seeking revenge from last year’s championship match when they fell to San Benito in four games (25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19).
“We know we can do it. We’ve done it before,” Askanas said. “One thing is for sure, my girls will compete. I definitely think we can do it. We’re gonna have to dig deep and fight tooth and nail until the end.”
