While the San Benito Haybalers went 1-3 at the Menlo Scott Roche
Invitational last weekend, Coach Tom Agan saw some improvement from
his water polo squad.
Atherton – While the San Benito Haybalers went 1-3 at the Menlo Scott Roche Invitational last weekend, Coach Tom Agan saw some improvement from his water polo squad.
“We’re progressing. We’re learning,” the coach said. “Everybody stepped it up … Everyone agreed that the passing was better, the communication was better, and the transition to defense was definitely an improvement.”
Jordan Schafer, who Agan said was “solid”, had 10 goals over four games for the ‘Balers, and led the team in scoring for the tournament. The 16-team varsity tournament took place at Menlo-Atherton High School.
In their first game, San Benito lost to Materdei 16-1, with Schafer scoring the lone goal. Agan said the Orange County team was stout, stacked, and resembled local powerhouse Bellarmine.
“They’re a pretty serious team,” he said. “I’d be surprised if they didn’t take the championship at that tournament.”
In their second game, though, the ‘Balers rebounded with a 15-2 win over Gunn, who are based out of Santa Clara. Schafer had eight goals in the game, while teammates Adam Rianda and Ryan Whiteside each supplied three goals a piece, and Matt McCullough contributed a goal.
San Benito fell to Leland in their third match 9-0. Goalie Kyle Reuther had five saves against Leland. Rianda, the San Benito captain, did not play in the Leland game, while senior Phil Torres was out for the whole tournament due to illness.
In their fourth and final game of the tournament, San Benito lost to Burlingame11-4. Thomas Parcell had a pair of goals in the game, and both Schafer and Whiteside added a goal a piece. Reuther shined in the cage for the ‘Balers, making 11 saves against Burlingame.
The ‘Balers (0-1 TCAL, 3-6 overall) will play a scrimmage today against Live Oak, and will play a league match on Wednesday at 4:30pm when they host Monterey.
Girls Water Polo
The San Benito Lady ‘Balers went 3-2 at the Clovis Tournament in Fresno on Sept. 7-8.
With losses coming from Tulare Western and Clovis East, the Lady ‘Balers defeated Turlock, Sierra and Lemoore at the tourney.
San Benito will play a scrimmage today against Live Oak at 3:30pm, and will host Monterey on Wednesday at 3:30pm.
