Sports

After earning a berth in the Central Coast Section playoffs last year, the Hollister High field hockey team wants more.  “We want first in league and we want that bye in the (first round of the) playoffs,” said Molly Macierz Svihus, who is in her...

“Touchdown Hollister” may have a new meaning this fall.  With the California Interscholastic Federation and Central Coast Section approving girls flag football, Hollister High will field a team and compete on the gridiron in a 7-on-7 version of the popular sport. The games should be, “fast-paced...

Mark Tinder hopes to carry on the rich tradition of San Benito

New Gavilan College women’s basketball coach Indira Kaljo knows exactly the situation she’s getting into.  The Rams haven’t fielded a team in three years, and recruiting to Gavilan is notoriously difficult for a variety of reasons.   A challenge for Kaljo? Yes. Daunting? Absolutely not. Not for...

Gavilan College officially announced its self-imposed sanctions stemming from accusations of recruiting and benefits violations against the football team that saw 17 players dismissed in August. The football program will be on probation for three years and will be barred from postseason play for two...

Melissa “Moe” Llanes knew something was up when Gavilan College men’s basketball coach Derek Jensen called her during the team’s Feb. 9 game-day shootaround.  Moments later, Gavilan Athletic Director Ron Hannon and trainer Erik Hilliker walked into the gym and Llanes, the team’s assistant coach,...

Kaiya Dickens got the ball on the left wing, dribbled to the top of the key and drained a 3-pointer—just the way the play was drawn up by Mitch Burley, the longtime San Benito High girls basketball coach. Dickens’ shot—it bounced straight up after...

With only eight players on the roster, the San Benito High boys water polo team knows it has to play smarter and be more disciplined than their opponents. After all, an ejection means Haybalers coach Brendan Sigourney will only have one player left to...

Before Alexandra Ortiz starts a performance, her coach, Jonathon O’Dougherty, usually says these words to her: “Be perfect like you usually are.” O’Dougherty, who is a renowned ice skating coach, admits, “The pep talk is not necessary with that kid.” That’s because Ortiz is...

After 80 minutes of regulation and 20 minutes of overtime, the Gilroy and San Benito girls soccer teams were tied 1-1 and headed to a penalty kick shootout to decide the outcome of their Central Coast Section Division III playoff semifinal on Wednesday.  The Haybalers...