San Benito golf team looks to TCAL Championships after Monday’s
final tune-up
Despite hitting the road in the notoriously tough Tri-County Athletic League, the San Benito softball team managed to extend its winning streak to 11 games. The Lady ‘Balers set down North Salinas behind solid hitting and pitching, topping the host Vikings 8-2 on Tuesday.
Backed by freshman starter Marissa Ibarra’s four-hit complete game, San Benito jumped out to a 3-0 lead and never looked back. The ‘Balers used singles by Lindsay Clay and Ari Romero, and a two-out RBI single by sophomore Rachel Maheu to take a 1-0 advantage in the second.
San Benito (20-2, 5-2 TCAL) added two more runs in the fourth and then blew the game wide open with a five-run sixth inning. Maheu keyed that 10-batter explosion with a two-run triple to left-center. Sophomore Elena Fata followed with an RBI double to the leftfield wall.
Five Lady ‘Balers enjoyed multi-hit days. Maheu led the group with her 3-for-4, 3 RBI performance.
Aided by three San Benito errors, North Salinas scored single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
‘Balers assistant coach Mike Maheu was pleased his team overcame its sluggish start at the plate to secure an important road win.
“We had a little trouble at the start, but they started being patient and got the bats going,” Maheu said. “Every game’s important in the TCAL.”
San Benito visits Live Oak tomorrow at 4pm, a re-match of the ‘Balers 2-0 home win last week.
“Live Oak’s going to look to get back at us,” Maheu said. “They’re going to be looking to get us at their house.”
BOYS GOLF
The San Benito boys golf team completed its regular season with a mediocre showing at the Aptos Invitational on Monday. After an encouraging month saw the ‘Balers put themselves in position to challenge for the Tri-County Athletic League title, head coach Andy Parra wasn’t too concerned with the dropoff at Seascape Golf Course.
“I guess we just took it as a warm-up for league finals,” Parra said. “Maybe a little lackadaisical, a little letdown. I wish we would’ve played better.”
San Benito No. 1 Chris Shackleton led the team with a four-over-par 75. Diego Navarro, Derek Stone and Pat Fancher each shot 83, and freshman Gene Park followed by firing a 92.
Without the services of senior Ryan Wood, Parra was especially pleased with Fancher’s showing. With a team’s depth a critical factor as the ‘Balers enter Monday’s TCAL Championships at Carmel’s Quail Lodge, Parra noted the senior’s performance at Seascape as an encouraging sign.
“I’m really pleased with Pat’s 83,” Parra shared. “I would love an 83 from him on Monday.”
Despite an off-showing in the 18-hole tournament, Parra believes his team is set for the postseason.
“We’re ready,” Parra said. “Based on the league standings, anything can happen. We’re excited. I see us as having a chance to win the league tournament on Monday. I think we have a really good chance.”
