At halftime things looked bleak for the San Benito High boys
water polo team during the first home game of the 2011 season
against Palma on Tuesday.
At halftime things looked bleak for the San Benito High boys water polo team during the first home game of the 2011 season against Palma on Tuesday.
After being shut out in the first quarter, the Balers trailed 4-1 at halftime and eventually 6-1 halfway through the third quarter. But that’s when things completely changed for the San Benito.
The Balers went on a 12-2 run, including a 5-0 streak in overtime, to pull away from Palma and win13-8. The win kept San Benito’s home winning streak against Palma alive.
The Chieftains haven’t won at San Benito in at least three years, head coach Aaron Gautney said.
“This was a big win for us,” he said. “They showed they wanted it more.”
And the scoring streak started out of nowhere.
In the first quarter, the Balers squandered early chances to grab a lead, thanks to the goal tending of Jacob Gumke. San Benito’s Justin Haggard traded saves throughout the first quarter until the final minutes.
Palma’s Marcus House ended the scoreless tie with thundering goal with 55 seconds left in the quarter.
Palma would strike again 40 seconds later after a San Benito turnover.
In the second and third quarters, things got worse before they got better for the Balers. Except for a goal by Jaret Barrios with 2:34 left in the second quarter, Palma dominated and took a commanding 6-1 lead.
“I talked with the team at halftime, and I told them ‘it’s all about who wants it more.'” Gautney said.
What sparked the San Benito scoring was more crisp passing and a relaxation from the team’s starters, Tyler Reuther said.
“We just stepped up the offense,” he said. “When Jake (Garcia) is able to come in and get a set pass – we’ll score.”
Garcia was the main offensive force for the Balers, scoring six goals. Garcia lingered around the net, and after few passes found himself open to pour the ball into the goal.
But it was Carlos Huerta who finally got the Balers offense moving in the right direction. With 3:34 left in the third quarter, Huerta was the recipient of passes from Reuther and Barrios, allowing him to have an open goal.
Less than 15 seconds later, San Benito followed the score with Garcia’s first goal of the game.
San Benito would get five goals in a row to pull even with Palma with 5:15 left in the fourth quarter. Palma would answer back on its next opportunity 11 seconds later with a goal by Michael Saulovich.
After some great stops by San Benito goalie Dalton Pence and Palma’s Gumke, the Balers’ Barrios struck again with two goals in the final three minutes.
With a one goal lead in the final minute, San Benito continued to put pressure on Palma, throwing the ball at the net. But after a Palma stop and a long pass to Saulovich, Palma scored easy goal.
With 42 seconds left in regulation, the two teams were tied at 8.
In overtime, the Balers took over.
Palma never had time to set up its offense, as the Balers increased their pressure on defense and opened up the offense.
The Balers score five goals in overtime to win by a commanding score of 13-8.
It was a great way to start the season for the Balers, Gautney said.
“It was awesome,” he said. “We found a way to hang in there and regroup. They stepped up.”
Next time, though, Reuther hopes the team gets off to a better start.
“It’s good to know we can come back if we need to but we need to start better,” he said.
The Balers play Thursday at home against Alvarez. The game starts at 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Girls
For a moment it looked as if the speed and aggression of the Balers would turn the tide of the 2011 season opener Tuesday, but things were not meant to be.
The Balers struggled to find a rhythm during their 11-6 season opening loss to Soquel, but thanks to the great hands and speed of Caitlin Schafer, the score was much closer than it could have been.
With only four returning players, it was the first time that a six Balers played in a varsity game, so a loss wasn’t unexpected for head coach Hayley Vandercook.
But despite the loss, she was happy to see the team find some success as the game went on.
“They played great,” Vandercook said. “This was the first time that a lot of them have played a varsity game and Soquel is always a wonderful team.”
Goaltender Rachel Estep kept the Balers close, as shots came raining in throughout the four quarters.
Hannah Smith and Schafer pushed the Balers’ offense with long shots, crisp passing and breakaways.
As the game went on, Schafer turned into a defensive pest for San Benito. The junior attacked the ball and began killing Soquel possession as they started.
“She was our MVP last year so she did what I expected her to do,” Vandercook said. “She gave us a shot of energy.”
And the Balers needed it once Soquel pushed to a 9-3 lead. San Benito would score three straight goals to turn momentum briefly.
Soquel would tally the final two goals.
The Balers hoste Stevenson on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
