SBHS boys volleyball squad is poised to capture first title
since 2001
With strong team chemistry and one of the most explosive outside
hitters in the section, combined with key wins already under their
belt against Monterey and Gilroy, the San Benito High Haybalers
volleyball team is in the driver’s seat to win its first league
title since 2001.
SBHS boys volleyball squad is poised to capture first title since 2001
With strong team chemistry and one of the most explosive outside hitters in the section, combined with key wins already under their belt against Monterey and Gilroy, the San Benito High Haybalers volleyball team is in the driver’s seat to win its first league title since 2001.
The Balers control their own destiny in both the battle for a league title as well as the quest for a trip to the Central Coast Section playoffs.
“Last year was supposed to be the year because we had five seniors. But this year we are better because of our chemistry,” said Baler coach Luis Espinoza. “We have team dinners together and spend a lot of time with each other off the court. I think that helps a lot.”
The Balers are 9-1 in the Tri County Athletic League, which ties them with Gilroy for second place and places them a half-game back of 10-2 Monterey. The Balers hold the tiebreaker over those schools since they already beat them on the first go around.
On Monday, the Balers will face Palma at home and then travel to Gilroy on Tuesday night for a showdown with the Mustangs. Both games are at 6:30 p.m. Palma is the only team San Benito has lost to in league this season. And Gilroy with its size up front makes them a serious threat down the stretch. Each game is important, since only the top team from the TCAL will be invited to compete in the CCS payoffs.
Much of the Balers success on the court can be attributed to the outstanding play of senior outside hitter Jon Crepeau, who leads the team in just about every offensive category.
Crepeau, who stands 6-foot-3, has 186 kills this season, 27 blocks and 17 aces. His kill total is one of the best in the section.
“Jon is the team captain out there. I consider him like the fourth coach,” said Espinoza. “He’s elevated his play a lot compared to last year, and he’s been able to hit the ball right over the blockers.”
In the winter Crepeau normally played on the Baler basketball team but opted to skip the basketball season and play club volleyball over the past year.
“Just getting all of the reps in has helped me tremendously,” said Crepeau, who will attend Michigan State University next fall where he plans on trying out for the school’s nationally ranked club volleyball team. “I have a hard arm swing and I’ve been able to be smart with where to hit the ball this year. Jacob (Lomanto) has also come a long way and is doing really good with setting me up.”
In addition to Crepeau, Baler senior middle blockers Anthony Parcell and Josh Brown have also been instrumental in the team’s success.
“Those guys run the court and hold the team together,” said Espinoza. “I knew we’d have a good chance to win league this year with those guys. I keep them on the court the whole time.”
The Balers are fortunate to have Crepeau on the court as they head into the final six games of the season. Three weeks ago he sprained his ankle and sat out for two weeks.
“I think that injury really matured him and made him think about the rest of the season,” Espinoza said. “Even when he couldn’t practice, he was out here helping me coach.”
Now Espinoza believes that everything is in place for his team to not only win league, but win it all.
“If we go to CCS, we can go all the way,” he said. “Our chemistry is great and our defense is good. Guys like Chris Flippo and David Dela Cruz pick up any balls that come their way.”
And Crepeau drives them home the other way for Baler points.
“It would be great if we could win it all my last year,” said Crepeau, who plans to major at Michigan State in landscape architecture. “Every year we’ve been an average team since I’ve been here. This year if we make a run it will be very exciting. We have to stay focused, practice well and get prepared. We also can’t take anyone lightly – just step-it-up everyday.”
