San Benito girls defeat Trojans in final road game
Salinas – San Benito’s offense stepped it up in the second half and that allowed the Haybalers girls basketball team to pass its final road test of the year Thursday with a 43-42 win over host Alisal.
Junior guard Elena Fata had the hot hand for San Benito (8-14, 5-6 Tri-County Athletic League), draining a pair of 3-pointers while scoring a team-high 14 points.
But despite some early success from Fata, the Trojans (8-14, 2-9) stayed tough and held a 21-15 halftime lead.
So in the second half, coach Al Rowe switched Fata from the point guard position to off guard in hopes of freeing her up more.
“We knew they were going to come out on Elena because she had the hot hand,” Rowe said. “Alisal overplayed on defense and it was leaving Elena wide open.”
The ‘Balers outscored the Trojans 17-13 in the third quarter to pull to within two entering the final period.
San Benito finally overtook Alisal midway through the fourth quarter and had a lead as large as four, but the Trojans wouldn’t go away.
“They fought right down to the nitty gritty,” Rowe said of Alisal.
Rowe credited the Trojans’ aggressive style of play and the officials allowing plenty of contact as being the keys to Alisal staying in the game.
“The refs let us play,” Rowe said of the game that featured just seven fouls called on the ‘Balers and 13 on the Trojans. “Alisal plays a real aggressive game and the refs accommodated them.”
Sophomore guard Vanessa Farias chipped in with 13 points for San Benito and sophomore center Megan Halstead scored six.
The ‘Balers wrap up league play Feb. 15 at home against North Salinas and also have an alumni game Saturday at 2pm.
San Benito 7 8 17 11 – 43
Alisal 8 13 13 8 – 42
