Mustangs take advantage of home-field after game is moved to
Gilroy
One of the few things different from the previous time San Benito and Gilroy met in December, and their match Monday, was the date.
The score was the same – Gilroy won 4-0 – and even the setting was identical to the first time the two squads played.
Due to recent weather conditions, which made Hollister’s grass field choppy and unsafe to play on, according to coaches of both teams, the game was moved to Garcia-Elder Sports Complex in Gilroy.
The Mustangs used the home field to their advantage, taking a 3-0 lead into the intermission – all scored by Gilroy’s Ariana Vera – before Kristi Figueroa tacked on the final tally after being awarded a penalty kick in the second half.
“It’s home,” Gilroy coach Jose Hernandez said. “Anytime you play at home you’re more comfortable.”
San Benito coach Mike Schurig said his players “had a tough time matching up with them and controlling the ball.”
When asked if having to hit the road rather than making Gilroy come to unfamiliar grounds played a role in the outcome, the coach conceded that it did affect his team.
“It does,” Schurig said. “I know the girls are disappointed about not playing at home. But I was concerned about the safety of the field.”
San Benito expects the issues with its field to be resolved in time for a home game Friday at 3:30 p.m. against North Salinas. Preceding that match, the Lady ‘Balers (9-5-1 overall, 4-3-1 Tri-County Athletic League) will play Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at Everett Alvarez.
The Mustangs remained undefeated in league (7-4-3 overall, 6-0-1 TCAL) and now hold a commanding lead over San Benito, which is second in the TCAL standings. Gilroy will be back in action Friday at 6 p.m. when it hosts Notre Dame.
