Despite a pair of crossbar hits by the San Benito Haybalers to
start the game, it was the Gilroy Mustangs who had a difficult time
on offense Thursday in Hollister.
Jordan Schafer had six goals and Adam Rianda provided five as
the ‘Balers pushed past Gilroy 12-3 in Tri-County Athletic League
action.
Despite a pair of crossbar hits by the San Benito Haybalers to start the game, it was the Gilroy Mustangs who had a difficult time on offense Thursday in Hollister.
Jordan Schafer had six goals and Adam Rianda provided five as the ‘Balers pushed past Gilroy 12-3 in Tri-County Athletic League action.
The Mustangs scored one goal in each of the first three quarters, but could not swim past San Benito’s stifling defense in the end.
“We played good on defense,” Gilroy coach Tom Clark said. “But on the offensive end, we kept shooting ourselves in the foot. We’re not playing aggressive enough on the offensive end. It was actually a pretty close game up until the last quarter.”
Entering the final period with an 8-3 lead, San Benito extended the margin behind three goals from Schafer, including one goal in which the senior’s head was under the water when taking his shot. Rianda added a score as well in the fourth.
“I think we played the technical part of the game really well today,” San Benito coach Tom Agan said. “We’re getting a little impatient, which we’ve been having trouble with all season. Take quality shots on offense and use the clock.”
It was the final regular season match for both teams, who will now enter next week’s TCAL Tournament. Gilroy will play Palma on Monday at Carmel High School at 6 p.m.
San Benito will start the TCAL tourney Wednesday, when they’ll host the winner of the Stevenson-Watsonville match at 3:30 p.m. at San Benito High School.
Today, the ‘Balers will compete in a tournament at Monta Vista. They’re slated to play Monta Vista at noon today, as well as Aptos at 3:30 p.m. The tournament will continue through Saturday, although times and opponents have yet to be determined.
On Thursday, San Benito jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind goals from Schafer and Rianda. Both were assisted by Thomas Parcell, who recorded four assists on the game.
Gilroy cut into San Benito’s lead later in the first when Eric Boe found the back of the net. In the second quarter, Boe found Daniel Shields for the Mustangs’ second score, while Shields returned the favor in the third, assisting Boe for another goal.
“This was probably one of our better games of the year,” Clark said. “They’re a good team. Tom Agan coaches them well.”
