Although just 10 girls cracked the varsity lineup this
season
— down from the usual 15 — the lack of bodies hasn’t changed
much, if anything at all, in the way San Benito operates or what it
expects.
HOLLISTER
It will be, no doubt, one of the smaller rosters the San Benito girls volleyball team has had in recent years.
No matter.
Although just 10 girls cracked the varsity lineup this season — down from the usual 15 — the lack of bodies hasn’t changed much, if anything at all, in the way San Benito operates or what it expects.
Despite the numbers, head coach Dean Askanas feels the team’s offense is at its strongest and most physical in three years, while the lineup itself boasts several multi-sport athletes and several players with varsity volleyball experience.
Whether it all translates into more wins from last season’s 20-18 overall record remains to be seen. But the San Benito head coach feels it’s entirely possible, and for a program that has advanced to the semifinal round of the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs seven years in a row, that’s certainly a strong sign.
“We’ve decided to stick together,” Askanas said. “We’re all taking ownership. We’re all taking accountability. Essentially, we’re all in the starting rotation and the goal is to win.”
Fewer players often means greater responsibility, of course, but Askanas feels the 10 players on this year’s squad complement each other in a way that will push the Haybalers into being a consistent power once again.
“This year, we’re looking really solid,” said senior libero Sara Yamasaki, who has been on the varsity since she was a freshmen. “We have great hitters, great defense and a great setter. We’re good all around.”
One of the main differences this year is the team’s athleticism and experience. At one point or another, Askanas said, each member of the current team was called up to the varsity level prior to this season.
The team’s second middle blocker, Ellie Burley, was called up last year as a freshmen. Same goes for the team’s starting setter, Raelynn Heredia, who compiled 92 assists last season as a freshmen behind starter Alisha Cornick.
Junior Ryan Asp will occupy the team’s second outside hitter position after being called up last year as a sophomore, while junior Megan Kelly, who was also called up as a sophomore as well, has made “incredible improvements” at the middle blocker position.
“Everyone is playing to their potential,” Yamasaki said.
Add in senior outside hitter Jessica Steigelman, who’s been on varsity since she was a sophomore, as well as defensive specialist Mari Vallejo — again, on the varsity since she was a sophomore — and San Benito has a surprisingly experienced team, despite losing six players to graduation one year ago.
“It’s just an athletic group,” Askanas said. “Every one of them got called up early because we saw their athleticism. That’s one of the reasons we’re looking pretty good this year.”
Junior right side Katherine Breger is expected to be a big addition to the team at the opposite position this year. Askanas said Breger boasts a big, powerful left-arm swing, and is perhaps the team’s strongest player since Emily Kortsen, who graduated in 2008 and currently plays at Utah State.
“They know their spots and we’re learning how to run our system because of that,” Askanas said. “We’re spending more time refining things.”
Battling consistency problems the last two seasons has led San Benito to third- and fourth-place finishes in the Tri-County Athletic League. Last season’s 6-6 record positioned the Balers behind Gilroy as well as co-champs Salinas and Notre Dame.
The Cowboys, in fact, were a Division I state finalist last season, and are expected to be the team to beat once again this year in the TCAL, while North Salinas, led by outside hitter Julia Ashen, is expected to be near the top as well.
“I’m hoping we’re fighting for first place in the TCAL,” Askanas said. “It’s gonna be a tough fight, though.”
San Benito should have a clearer idea of where it stands after this weekend. The team will compete at the TCAL Jamboree on Saturday at North Salinas High. Matches begin at 10 a.m.
“We have to show this weekend that this lineup is gonna hold water,” the head coach added. “I’m thinking that it will.”
