Amanda Virak, Katie Thorpe and Nick Angulo all garner first-team
status in the Tri-County Athletic League
HOLLISTER
Although it was unable to crack into the postseason, the San Benito High girls water polo team was well represented with five all-league selections recently, tied for second most in the Tri-County Athletic League behind champion Salinas.
The Cowboys, who went 8-0 during the regular season, earned seven selections, including three first-team picks. Salinas’ Heidi Vickery was named Most Valuable Player.
After recording a 7-1 mark in the TCAL, though, the Lady Balers earned a pair of first-team selections, with senior hole set Amanda Virak and senior keeper Katie Thorpe garnering the honors.
Virak was second on the team this season with 43 goals, but also compiled a team-leading 51 assists. Thorpe, who head coach Hayley Vandercook said averaged 11 blocks a game, was the only goalie selected to the first team.
San Benito finished with a 13-8 overall record.
Other first team selections included Salinas’ Julianne Hunsdorfer, Vickery and Samantha Aguayo; Gilroy’s Chelsea Hill, Devan Lauber and Michelle Shields; Stevenson’s Maren Toor and Teddy Danielson; Monterey’s Lucy Mayone; and Carmel’s Stephanie Haisley.
Gilroy’s Sean LaGuardia and Salinas’ Andrew Parolini earned the TCALs co-coach of the year honors.
San Benito senior Demi Gatrell, meanwhile, was named second team all-league after she led the Lady Balers with 46 goals on the season, while freshman Caitlin Schafer was selected to the second team as well after she delivered an all-around performance this season, including 41 goals, 48 assists and a team-leading 87 steals.
San Benito junior Jeanett Rodriguez was named to the Richard Chamberlin Sportsmanship team. Rodriguez compiled 23 goals and 75 steals for the Lady Balers this season.
The Baler boys’ water polo team earned a pair of all-league selections this season after it compiled a 4-3 mark in the TCAL, 11-13 overall.
Junior Nick Angulo was San Benito’s lone first team selection after he compiled approximately 97 goals for the Balers this season, according to head coach Tom Agan.
Meanwhile, Josh Schafer led the team with 115 goals.
Other first team selections included Carmel’s Jakub Kristl, Jay Louis and Nate Cohen; Monterey’s Matt Deal; Palma’s Aaron Lewis; Stevenson’s Connor Stuewe and Beau Bayless; and Salinas’ Chris Hunsdorfer, Spencer Thompson, Tylor Giger and Brian Morton.
Morton was also named the TCALs Most Valuable Player, while Salinas’ Claire Linney was named the league’s Coach of the Year.
San Benito senior Tyler Agan was named to the Richard Chamberlin Sportsmanship team.
