The San Benito girls water polo team has put in the time to be
successful. Despite losing several key seniors, coach Derek Kisling
expects the team to make a run at a league championship.
Strong work ethic guides Lady Balers
By NATHAN MIXTER
Sports Editor
Hollister – The San Benito girls water polo team has put in the time to be successful. Despite losing several key seniors, coach Derek Kisling expects the team to make a run at a league championship.
“Their attitudes could not be better,” Kisling said. “Every single girl on the team is willing to work. They are looking out for each other. In the seven years I have been coaching, I don’t think I have had a group of girls with better attitudes across the board.”
There are 11 players on the varsity team and 12 on the JV.
The Balers do return a strong core group like Kathryn Adamek, Jordan Telles, Amanda Rodriguez and Natalie Smith. But they will be without the services of graduates Jenna Decoite, Stacy Lass as well as goalie Erin Reed.
Krista Maisonneuve, who played JV last year, will take over as the goalie this year. Adamek and Kirsten Palm will split time at the 2-meter spot.
San Benito does have some speed this year and should have a strong defense, Kisling said.
“That is what we will be focusing on is playing good solid defense,” Kisling said. “All good things will come out of that.”
Live Oak will be the team to beat again this year with Ronni Gautschi, the league MVP.
“She is probably one of the better players I have seen in this league, if not the best,” Kisling said. “You have to have answer for her, or it is going to be a really long day for you.”
Another strong team this year will be Santa Catalina, who returns most of its players from its second-place finish last year.
“If the girls come together and play together, we could be right up there,” Kisling said. “It takes seven girls to play this game, and if all seven are on the same page at the same time, it will be hard to beat them.”
