Without a pool of their own to practice in, Gilroy was no match
for San Benito in the opening game Wednesday between the two
Tri-County Athletic League rivals.
By NATHAN MIXTER
Sports Editor
Hollister – Without a pool of their own to practice in, Gilroy was no match for San Benito in the opening game Wednesday between the two Tri-County Athletic League rivals.
San Benito walked away with an easy 12-5 victory in the second game of the doubleheader. The Haybalers held the Mustangs scoreless for about 14 minutes in the middle of the game.
“Whenever you can shut them down like that, it is always a plus,” said Baler coach Tom Agan. “I was pleased with how they came out. We did a good job of pressuring the ball.”
Gilroy coach Tom Clark said the teams were much more closer in talent than the score might have represented.
“It was no surprise coming in here,” Clark said. “I believe the teams were evenly matched. But we didn’t have much time to work on our transition game in the small practice pool. And that is usually our strength.”
For two and a half weeks, the Mustangs have been practicing at a junior high pool while their home pool is being renovated. Clark said he expects to be back in the water next week.
Travis Gamble scored a goal for the Mustangs with 4:19 left in the second period to draw the Mustangs within 6-3. But Gilroy didn’t score again until Mitch Barnet lobbed a ball into the far side of the net with 3:39 left in the game.
During that stretch, San Benito scored six unanswered goals including five in the third quarter. Lee Walton led the Mustangs with three goals.
Zack Bainter and Lucas Zepeda both scored four goals for the Balers. Brothers Joel and David Smith added a pair of goals.
“It was a good start for us,” Joel said. “We had good transitions, and we knew where everyone was. They weren’t playing as together as we were. They have a good team, and we got a little lucky sometimes.”
Gilroy got some quality looks at the goal, but they came few and far between. In the fourth quarter on a breakaway, San Benito goalie Alex Marks, who had 14 saves, got an arm out to stop the shot. Logan Kratzer also came up big for the Balers in the 2-meter defensive spot.
JV Note:
Hollister 20, Gilroy 4
Cliff Gere had six goals for Hollister. Curtis Wall had three. Bruce Butler, Steve Larson and Matt Morrison had two each.
Bob Glashan and Matt Thorpe, who both had goals, split time at the goalie spot and as position players.
