The difference in shots on goal in the first half of Gilroy’s
game at North Salinas Thursday was 16-1 in favor of the
Mustangs.
Unfortunately for Gilroy, North Salinas’ lone shot found its way
into the Mustang goal and the two teams stood tied 1-1 at the
half.
The difference in shots on goal in the first half of Gilroy’s game at North Salinas Thursday was 16-1 in favor of the Mustangs.
Unfortunately for Gilroy, North Salinas’ lone shot found its way into the Mustang goal and the two teams stood tied 1-1 at the half.
But in the final 12 minutes of the game, Gilroy was able to convert their scoring opportunities when they mattered and emerged with a 5-2 victory.
The win boosted Gilroy to 4-0 in MTAL play and 5-1-1 overall.
“The girls probably had their best warm-up (this season) for a game,” said Gilroy co-head coach Erin Gemar. “So when North Salinas scored that first goal, it was almost unreal.”
Karlie Sandoval scored the first and only Gilroy goal of the first half unassisted. In the second half, she assisted Rushelle Preeshl on a goal. Also in the second half, Jackie Moreno scored, assisted by Dana Schoeneman and Erin Magill, to put the ‘Stangs up 3-2. Amanda Spellman scored the final two goals, one with five minutes left (assisted by Kelly Perkins, Sandoval), and one at the final buzzer (assisted by Schoeneman, Magill).
The Player of the Game was freshman Laura Spellman, who Gemar praised for playing tough defense Thursday.
“For being so small, she has a very, very strong presence,” Gemar said. “She’s good at intercepting and taking possession.”
The Mustangs play at home Monday and Tuesday, against Santa Catalina (5:15pm) and York (4pm), respectively.
Girls’ Volleyball falls to Notre Dame
Although the Gilroy girls’ volleyball team lost to Notre Dame Thursday, 25-22, 25-20, 25-21, the team had one of its best showings of the season.
“They played a lot closer to their potential than they have all season,” said Gilroy head coach Sue Grogan. “It was definitely a good night even though we lost. It’s much better than it has been.”
For one, the Mustangs drastically cut down on errors. Gilroy committed just three service errors and seven attacking errors.
“That’s really what we’ve been working on,” Grogan said. “Smart play.”
For the match, the team was without two key players, Isabelle Szucs and Jessica Groppe. Szucs sprained an ankle in practice and Groppe was involved in a car accident. Although she wasn’t seriously hurt, Groppe was advised to sit out a game. Grogan said Szucs should be back Monday and hopes Groppe will be ready to play this weekend, when the program hosts the 12-team Mustang Classic at Gilroy High Saturday.
Filling in for Szucs and Groppe against Notre Dame (14-9 overall, 3-1 in TCAL) were sophomores Vanessa Wilkins, who led the team with 7 kills and two blocks, and Caitlin Chisolm, who had four kills and one down block. Kayla Meazell had five kills.
Katherine Hussey (8 assists, 3 blocks) and Jennifer Smith (6 assists) also contributed. Gilroy now stands at 2-12 overall and 0-3 in TCAL.
The JV team also played, but beat the Spirits in three games, 20-25, 25-19, 15-11.
