The Baler water polo team scored early and often en route to a
17-4 victory over visiting Carmel Tuesday afternoon.
San Benito (12-7, 3-1 TCAL) consistently moved the ball up and
down the pool, coming up with several steals. Senior Robert
Shattuck led the way with seven steals and was a big factor in
allowing the Balers to shut down the 2-meter.
The Baler water polo team scored early and often en route to a 17-4 victory over visiting Carmel Tuesday afternoon.
San Benito (12-7, 3-1 TCAL) consistently moved the ball up and down the pool, coming up with several steals. Senior Robert Shattuck led the way with seven steals and was a big factor in allowing the Balers to shut down the 2-meter.
Carmel (7-16, 1-6 TCAL) had trouble setting up its offense and couldn’t get into a rhythm. The Balers consistently stepped up in from to take passes away or force bad shots.
“Our guys were pressuring the ball, and that forced them to make some mistakes,” said Baler coach Tom Agan. “We were reading the ball and getting into the right spots.”
By halftime, the Balers had build up an 8-1 advantage. The only Carmel goal was scored on a 4-meter by Chris Cielonele.
Carmel did have its chances to score in the first half, but goalie Nick Dain came up big, picking up six of his eight saves in that half.
“Hollister stole the ball and passed well,” said Carmel coach Ed Sigourney. “Their shots were on the outside corner, and all ours were right at the goalie’s chest.”
Offensively, the Balers received five goals from Zach Bainter, four from Lucas Zepeda and three from Joel Smith. Shattuck, Ryan Andrade, Logan Kratzer, Sean Russell and Dave Smith also added singe goals for San Benito.
The Balers have just three seniors on the roster this year: Dain, Shattuck and Russell. San Benito has a freshman on the team in Dave Smith.
Carmel is also a young team team this year, and several players were out with injuries or sickness.
The Balers only loss this year in the Tri-County Athletic League came in 15-7 contest against Salinas last month.
San Benito will be tested against two of the favorites for the league title against Live Oak on Oct. 22 and against RLS on Oct. 28.
“Live Oak has the talent and the speed combined with the coaching,” Agan said. “They are relentless on their counter attacks.”
JV Note: The Baler JV team (8-7, 4-0 TCAL) remained perfect in league with a 12-6 win over Carmel.
“Usually Carmel is a tough team,” said coach John Agan. “The team stepped up and got the job done today.”
Josh Ward and Rory Bloch led the way for the Balers with two goals each.
“Josh had several steals and played good defense,” Agan said. “Today was probably the best I’ve seen him play.”
The Balers also got single goals from Duffy Barrett, Brian Rocha, Jessie Rice, Curtis Wall, Matt Morrison and Steve Larson. Alex Marks came up with 11 saves at goalie during the game.
