After losing in overtime to the same Palo Alto team in the first round of the Central Coast Section playoffs a year ago, the San Benito girls water polo team enacted some revenge on Tuesday, scoring in the final minute to upset the Vikings 9-8 at Palo Alto High.
The game-winning goal didn’t come form 200-goal scorer Caitlin Schafer but from sophomore Riley Drexler, who was in the perfect position at the right time for San Benito. With less than 20 seconds left on the clock, Drexler grabbed the rebound from a Rachel Estep shot and beat the Viking goalie to give the Balers the thrilling win.
“It was amazing,” head coach Hayley Vandercook said. “Everyone was excited for Riley.”
Drexler was open because of the Vikings extra attention on Schafer, who was double-teamed on the game-winning play. Vandercook handed the ball to Estep and told Drexler to be ready for the rebound.
Drexler, who is one of San Benito’s better rebounders, was right in front of the cage ready for the ball.
“I wanted her there because she plays great defense and is a great rebounder,” Vandercook said. “They were focused on Caitlin and Riley got the ball from Rachel and scored.”
Palo Alto recieved one last chance, but the Vikings were stopped by SBHS goalie Rachel Smithee, who finished with 11 saves. The sophomore transfer was integral to the Balers win, Vandercook said.
“If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have done what we did the second half,” she said. “Rachel has had a huge impact for us.”
Schafer scored a team-high five goals in the victory for the Balers. Estep scored twice and Erin Hepner contributed one goal in the victory.
The Balers will play Leland on Saturday. The time and date have not been set. Look online for an update.
