San Benito improves to 6-3 in the TCAL with win against Everett
Alvarez Thursday
HOLLISTER
The San Benito Lady ‘Balers split their matches this week when they lost to North Salinas Tuesday in four games (23-25, 25-21, 12-25, 15-25) but rebounded to defeat Everett Alvarez in three (25-12, 25-12, 25-18).
San Benito is now 6-3 in the Tri-County Athletic League, 12-19 overall.
The problem for the Lady ‘Balers early in the week, however, was the team’s recent stretch of poor serve-receive. Coupled with the play of Viking Gina Abbott, and North Salinas was able to avenge a previous loss to the Lady ‘Balers from earlier this year.
“Our serve-receive completely broke down, so they just served us right off the floor,” coach Dean Askanas said. “They just outplayed us.”
Although San Benito’s serve-receive improved Thursday against Alvarez, the Eagles have yet to record a win in the TCAL this season.
“It looked okay,” Askanas said. “It’s down a little and I don’t know why. We have the same people in there, so there are no excuses.”
Against Alvarez, Shayna Nakata contributed 10 kills and 10 digs, and teammate Sam Klauer had four kills, 18 digs and 13 service points. Libero Sara Yamasaki had 13 digs.
Askanas highlighted the play of his middles, including Chelsea Freitas and Emily Tonascia, who recorded nine kills on Thursday. Setter Justine Hunter had 26 assists as well.
In another lineup change, Askanas moved Warda Alam to the opposite on the right side, where she provided seven kills against the Eagles.
“She did great,” Askanas said. “She’s been doing good in practice and she’s really productive. She plays really good defense, too.”
San Benito will return to the court Tuesday when they visit Salinas at 6:30 p.m. The Cowboys have yet to lose a match in the TCAL, but the Lady ‘Balers took them to five games in their first meeting before losing the deciding fifth game.
“It has to be better Tuesday,” Askanas said.
