Senior Night almost always comes with distractions. Earthquakes
usually aren’t one of them.
Senior Night almost always comes with distractions. Earthquakes usually aren’t one of them.
Only a point separated Salinas from a three-set victory over Gilroy’s varsity girls volleyball team Tuesday night when a 5.6-magnitude temblor just north of San Jose caused the Mustangs’ gym to rattle a little more than the efforts of your average bleacher-stompers. Play was suspended for several minutes before referees ruled play could continue, allowing Salinas to spike down the final point to win 25-15, 25-19, 25-14.
The game marked the final home contest in the careers of seniors Caitlin Chisolm and Katelin Faria – known to those sporting signs and custom t-shirts as “Team Kait.”
“It was fun, I couldn’t carry all of my flowers,” Faria said of the gifts she received before the match.
Chisolm was equally appreciative of all the support.
“It was good to have all my friends here for the last time,” she said,
GHS Coach Sue Grogan said the pair were instrumental in keeping the team focused during a shaky season in which several key players quit.
“They’ve been a steadying force for this team,” Grogan said, “and for the girls as well, as team leaders.”
Tuesday’s loss wasn’t completely unexpected as Salinas has been the one of the stronger squads in the Tri-County Athletic League this season. The Cowboys improved to 12-4 overall, 8-3 in league while the Mustangs dropped to 15-17, 3-8 in the TCAL.
Chisolm led Gilroy in kills and digs with five and 12, respectively. She also had one service ace.
Faria matched Melissa Avila and Loryn Ferreira with four kills in the game. The three each had a down-block as well. Jasmine Perez had 11 digs and Lindsay Meazell had 10 assists.
The team’s final regular season game will be at Alisal Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
While the Mustangs’ record is well below .500 in the TCAL, their win total in preseason contests and tournaments gives them a shot at making Central Coast Section playoffs. Coach Grogan estimates there are eight teams looking to fill five at-large spots, with Gilroy and fellow TCAL member North Salinas being among those hopefuls. A CCS selection committee will convene Saturday to decide Gilroy’s postseason fate.
“I think what it’s gonna come down to is if North Salinas has played quality teams (in the preseason),” Grogan said. “We just kind of have to hang in there and wait until Saturday.”
