‘Balers post three-game (25-9, 25-22, 25-12) victory over host
Seaside Thursday, prep for 16-team tournament on Saturday
SEASIDE
San Benito head boys volleyball coach Luis Espinoza has called it his team’s M.O. – the Haybalers’ dominant first-game effort, followed by a drop in intensity in Game 2.
It’s proved to be true the last two matches, at least. But so far, it hasn’t hurt San Benito one bit.
Visiting Seaside Thursday night, the ‘Balers rolled to a three-game sweep 25-9, 25-22, 25-12 over the Spartans, and improved to 2-0 in the Tri-County Athletic League and 7-3 overall as a result.
“First game, once again, pretty good,” Espinoza said of his team’s dominant 25-9 first-game performance. The second game was a win as well, despite having a far closer result, 25-22.
“But they did really well,” Espinoza added.
Setter Adrian Rodriguez had 32 assists, while brother and teammate Erik Rodriguez punched home a team-high 13 kills. Specialist Danny Ruiz added 10 digs and Luis Bradley had three aces in the win.
Espinoza called the victory another tune-up for this weekend, where the ‘Balers will travel to Willow Glen to take part in the 16-team Hammer and Roofing Seminar tournament, which will be a who’s who of boys volleyball talent.
“We pick up our game when we face stronger teams,” Espinoza said.
And some of the strongest teams in the Central Coast Section will be in attendance on Saturday, including Bellarmine, St. Francis of Mountain View, Saratoga, Valley Christian, Los Gatos, Monterey, Gilroy, Alisal, Aptos, Harbor, Harker, Mitty, Serra, Homestead and Seaside.
Matches begin at 8 a.m., on Saturday.
As soon as the tournament is complete, though, the ‘Balers will return to TCAL play on Tuesday and Thursday against arguably their toughest competition in league this season. On Tuesday, San Benito will host four-time defending league champion Monterey at Mattson Gym at 6:30 p.m., while the ‘Balers will visit undefeated Gilroy on Thursday, also at 6:30 p.m.
For what it’s worth, San Benito did defeat Monterey already this season in three games (25-16, 24-26, 15-7) at the Spring Fling in Aptos.
“I’m glad we have this tournament before those two games,” Espinoza said. “We have to beat Monterey first and then go into Gilroy and handle our business there. Both teams are really hard and it’ll be about who makes the least mistakes.”
SAN BENITO 25 25 25
SEASIDE 9 22 12
