Cowboys win in four games (25-17, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21) Tuesday
to remain undefeated in the TCAL
SALINAS
The San Benito girls volleyball team has come close twice this season of upending undefeated Salinas, and although the Lady ‘Balers are the only team in the league to force a Game 5, the Cowboys remain perfect.
Salinas pulled one step closer of claiming the Tri-County Athletic League title Tuesday when they defeated San Benito in four games (25-17, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21).
Despite playing in one less game this time around – as opposed to the five-game match the two teams had on Oct. 2 – coach Dean Askanas said his team’s effort was a lot better on Tuesday comparatively.
“We got off to a really slow start. We didn’t play defense in Game 1,” Askanas said. “But I thought in Games 2, 3 and 4 we played pretty well. We showed a lot of fight.”
The Lady ‘Balers are now 6-4 in the TCAL, 12-20 overall. Salinas is 10-0 in league, 17-4 overall.
Libero Sara Yamasaki delivered an impressive 38 digs for San Benito, which is a huge number for anyone, Askanas said.
The coach also saw strong performances from Courtney Scarlett, setter Justine Hunter and middle blocker Emily Tonascia, who Askanas said is becoming a “true middle blocker.”
But offensively, Askanas said the team can get exposed at times against some of the top-tier teams like Salinas, considering the Lady ‘Balers play a more defensive-minded approach and have a lack of “true” hitters at the hitting positions.
San Benito will wrap up their regular season with a pair of home matches. On Thursday, they’ll host Gilroy, and on Tuesday the Lady ‘Balers will welcome Notre Dame to Mattson Gym. Both matches are slated for 6:30 p.m.
