Despite what the result might say, San Benito boys volleyball
coach Luis Espinoza was disappointed with Tuesday’s win over
Watsonville.
Despite what the result might say, San Benito boys volleyball coach Luis Espinoza was disappointed with Tuesday’s win over Watsonville.
The Haybalers swept the Wildcatz 25-19, 25-19, 25-19 to improve to 2-1 in Tri-County Athletic League play, but Espinoza believes the team can play much better.
“I didn’t think we played well, even though we won in three games,” Espinoza said. “I don’t know how to motivate my guys to play to their level instead of playing down to other team’s level. That’s where I see them struggling.
“I know that they can do better. So it was a good win, but at the same time it was not to the level I think they can play.”
Luis Rosales and Chris Flippo both had strong games for the ‘Balers (3-4 overall). Rosales had seven kills, 10 digs and four aces, while Flippo had seven kills and six digs. Sterling Wilson added six kills and six blocks, and Adrian Rodriguez had five kills and nine assists.
Espinoza said the team played well in the first game, but eased off in the final two games.
“We can’t play this way if we want to make the playoffs,” said Espinoza, whose team committed more unforced errors than Watsonville. “If we want to be one of the top three teams (in the TCAL) we have to play better, we have to put teams away a lot sooner than we did tonight.”
San Benito returns home to face Alisal at 6:30pm Thursday. The Trojans, who went 6-23 last season, are off to a 5-7 start including a 2-0 record in league play.
“That’s going to be a gut check,” Espinoza said. “Alisal’s not the same team as last year.”
San Benito d. Watsonville 25-19, 25-19, 25-19
Chris Flippo 7 kills, 6 digs; Luis Rosales 7 kills, 10 digs, 4 aces; Matt Hawkes 2 kills; Brian Hawks 4 kills; Sterling Wilson 6 kills, 6 blocks; Adrian Rodriguez 5 kills, 9 assists; David De La Cruz 14 digs; Chase Maka 6 digs.
