It can always be a challenge to play a game, particularly a
league game, during Spring Break. It helps a little, however, when
you’re taking on your rival.
Hollister – It can always be a challenge to play a game, particularly a league game, during Spring Break. It helps a little, however, when you’re taking on your rival.
San Benito found that out Thursday, shaking off a slow start to roll past Gilroy 25-23, 25-21, 25-13 in Tri-County Athletic League boys volleyball action.
The Haybalers played the first two games without three of their starters, most notably outside hitter Chris Flippo, who had missed practice during the week.
“I played the guys who came to practice all week,” San Benito coach Luis Espinoza said. “I knew the first two games were going to be tough.”
Even so, the ‘Balers (6-6, 5-3 TCAL) were in control of the first game with a 23-18 lead.
But Gilroy’s Kevin Bruce made sure the Mustangs (7-15, 3-5) wouldn’t go down easy. He recorded three kills and a block in a 5-0 run to tie it.
Espinoza responded by calling a time out and San Benito won the next two points to take the game.
“I think if we would’ve won the first game, it would’ve changed a whole lot,” Gilroy coach Sue Grogan said. “I think momentum-wise it could’ve played out differently.”
Despite not delivering the win, the Mustangs carried their strong play into the second game and held an early 9-5 lead. The ‘Balers chipped away at the deficit and finally grabbed the lead at 14-13. That came in the middle of a 6-1 run and San Benito closed the game strong to take the 2-0 advantage.
Gilroy recorded the first three points in the third game and still was within striking distance when it trailed 11-8, but a 9-0 run by the ‘Balers sealed the deal.
While Espinoza admitted to being concerned about the team’s focus while playing a game during Spring Break, he was happy with the performance.
“I was afraid about it, but they played well. I loved the way they played,” he said.
And facing Gilroy, a team that Espinoza is 6-0 against in his coaching career, didn’t hurt.
“I don’t know what it is about Gilroy, but we play well against them,” Espinoza said.
Sterling Wilson had another strong game for the ‘Balers, finishing with seven kills and 11 blocks. Tim Stankovich added five kills and three blocks, Mack Hawkes had three kills and eight blocks while Luis Rosales had two aces, three digs, a block and had a strong game at the setter position.
San Benito will return to the court Saturday in the 20-team Sacred Heart Cathedral San Francisco Invitational. The ‘Balers open the tournament against Central Coast Section powerhouse Bellarmine.
