Hollister
– It can always be a challenge to play a game, particularly a
league game, during the Spring Break vacation. It helps a little,
however, when you’re taking on your rival.
Hollister – It can always be a challenge to play a game, particularly a league game, during the Spring Break vacation. It helps a little, however, when you’re taking on your rival.
San Benito found that out Thursday, shaking off a slow start to roll past Gilroy 25-23, 25-21, 25-13 in Tri-County Athletic League boys volleyball action.
“We’ve been kind of on a downslide lately,” Mustangs coach Sue Grogan said. “And our last game was Tuesday. It’s really hard to keep them moving (during Spring Break).”
The Haybalers played the first two games without three of their starters, something Grogan was hoping her team could take advantage of.
Trailing in the first game 23-18, Kevin Bruce made sure Gilroy (7-15, 3-5) wouldn’t go down easy. He recorded three kills and a block in a 5-0 run to tie it.
San Benito then called a time out and won the next two points to win the game.
“I think if we would’ve won the first game, it would’ve changed a whole lot,” Grogan said. “I think momentum-wise it could’ve played out differently.”
Despite not delivering the win, the Mustangs carried their strong play into the second game and held an early 9-5 lead. The ‘Balers chipped away at the deficit and finally grabbed the lead at 14-13. That came in the middle of a 6-1 run and San Benito closed the game strong to take the 2-0 advantage.
Gilroy recorded the first three points in the third game and still was within striking distance when it trailed 11-8, but a 9-0 run by the ‘Balers sealed the deal.
For San Benito and coach Luis Espinoza, there’s something extra special about taking on the Mustangs.
“I don’t know what it is about Gilroy, but we play well against them,” said Espinoza, who improved to 6-0 as a coach against San Benito’s top rival.
Bruce paced the Mustangs with eight kills and two blocks, Greg Calimpong had 20 assists and two aces and Alfred Medenceles added 10 digs.
