In a game that pitted the last two remaining undefeated teams in
the Tri-County Athletic League, the San Benito Lady ‘Balers came up
on the short end against visiting Santa Catalina Tuesday in
Hollister.
Hollister – In a game that pitted the last two remaining undefeated teams in the Tri-County Athletic League, the San Benito Lady ‘Balers came up on the short end against visiting Santa Catalina Tuesday in Hollister.
After a strong start and a 5-4 halftime lead, the Lady ‘Balers lost their first league game of the season 10-7 to the Cougars.
“We looked pretty good. We came out firing strong but we kind of gave up in the fourth quarter,” coach Lacey Sutton said.
San Benito held a 2-0 lead after one period and a 5-4 lead at the half. But Santa Catalina shut the Lady ‘Balers out in the third quarter, and took a 7-5 lead heading into the final period.
“I think we probably got tired and we weren’t moving on offense,” Sutton said.
San Benito goalie Sarah Yoldi made 16 saves in net, and sister Lila Yoldi led the offense with four goals. Sarah Kelso added a pair of scores while Katie Buzzetta added one goal.
San Benito has not been challenged since their league-opener against Salinas, a game in which they defeated the visiting Cowboys 12-9.
Sutton said the difference between Salinas and Santa Catalina is that the Cougars depend upon their driving and movement on offense whereas the Cowboys rely upon their speed.
With Tuesday’s loss, the Lady ‘Balers know what needs to be worked on between now and the TCAL Tournament at the end of the month. Specifically, Sutton said, the team need to focus on protecting the ball and offensive movement.
Last weekend at the Lincoln Halloween Classic, the Lady ‘Balers went 2-1 and played what Sutton said was the best game of the season.
After picking up a forfeit against Mountain View, San Benito played Aragon, who are currently ranked No. 9 in the latest polls from the San Jose Mercury News.
While San Benito lost 9-3, Sutton said the team played well together.
“That was probably our best game the entire season so far,” she said.
After falling to ranked Aragon, San Benito defeated Homestead by three goals, although no official score was provided.
San Benito (6-1 TCAL, 15-6) will play two games on Thursday at Woodside.
