San Benito’s 0-0 tie with Alisal Wednesday supplies Hollister
squad with automatic playoff berth
Salinas
The San Benito girls soccer team didn’t score any goals against host Alisal Wednesday in Salinas, but when the final whistle blew, the Lady ‘Balers picked up a much-needed point in the Tri-County Athletic League standings.
San Benito played to another scoreless tie Wednesday, their second in as many games, but the single point awarded to each team for the even outcome gave the Lady ‘Balers just enough to clinch second place in the TCAL, and earn the second of two automatic playoff berths.
Despite one game remaining in the regular season, San Benito will play in the Central Coast Section playoffs next week, slated to kick off on Feb. 12 and 13.
“Win, lose or draw, no one can touch us,” coach Mike Schurig said. “We’re locked in at second.”
With a 5-3-3 record in the TCAL and 18 points to their name, San Benito held a four-point lead on Alisal entering Wednesday’s contest. As a result of the tie, the Trojans failed to make up any ground on the Lady ‘Balers, and with only one game remaining, are thereby eliminated from top-two contention.
San Benito will host Salinas on Friday, and although the Hollister squad can now relax a little bit with CCS ticket in hand, the team will be working on set plays and finishing, Schurig said.
“We’re out-shooting and we’re out-passing, but we just can’t finish,” Schurig said. “I’m gonna try some things on Friday and see if we can change some things up.”
San Benito has been held scoreless in three of their previous four games.
On Wednesday, the Lady ‘Balers had 18 shots on net – nine in each half. The Trojans, on the other hand, were held to just seven shots on goal, and just one in the first half.
‘Baler keeper Emily Key had six saves in the game.
Schurig said recent opponents like Alisal and North Salinas have played a very defensive game against San Benito, especially in the second half. Despite the two scoreless ties, though, San Benito remains the highest scoring team in the TCAL this season.
On Friday, the Lady ‘Balers will play their regular season finale against Salinas. Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m.
JV Note:
The San Benito junior varsity team lost their contest against Alisal 1-0 Wednesday in Salinas.
“They played very well,” Schurig said.
The JV’s will host their regular season finale on Friday against Salinas.
