CHS volleyball team sweeps North Monterey County

The Christopher High girls volleyball team made quick work of host North Monterey County, sweeping the Condors 25-21, 25-23, 25-20 on Thursday night in Castroville.

On two occasions, in set two and three, the Cougars were down by as many as nine points in each, still able to get the job done.

Merrett Brown had 14 kills,  Aly Olvera 12 kills, Michelle Toves 16 digs and Alex Gerberick 38 assists for the Cougars, who have now back above .500 in Monterey Bay League play at 5-4 and 16-11 overall.

VOLLEYBALL

Gilroy High dropped a three-set decision to Notre Dame on Thursday in Salinas.

Samantha Una Dia, Meghan Adams, Karina Daniels and Gabby Flores each posted three kills.

FIELD HOCKEY

Christopher High varsity field hockey coach Lia Peterson started with the good news: Emma Morely and the Cougars registered the first goal on North Salinas in Mission Trail Athletic League play this season.

But the bad news: The Vikings defeated the Cougars 5-1 on Thursday, all but sewing up the league title.

Despite the loss, which happens to the the Cougars’ second straight – the first time that has happened all year – CHS is securely in second place at 7-3 as the season winds down to its final four games.

“We just have to get ourselves together and finish the season strong,” Peterson said.

A playoff spot seems likely, but the Cougars aren’t counting their chickens before they hatch. Another key contest awaits Tuesday against Monterey, which is right behind CHS in the standings. Game time is 3:30 p.m. at CHS.

WATER POLO

Michael Shields continued his scoring assault, posting another five goals in a Gilroy High boys water polo loss to Harbor 17-7 on Thursday.

Joe Vanni and Garrett Pipkin contributed the Mustangs’ other goals. Goalie Cody Froom collected 11 saves.

– The Gilroy High girls water polo team (3-11) played fourth-place Salinas to the brink on Thursday, yet ultimately fell short in a low-scoring contest 9-6 on Thursday.

Michelle Shields, a first-team all-league candidate, managed three goals and eight assists. Brittany Salcido, Katie Clark and Abby Kienle had one goal each. Francesca Comin recorded one assist and six steals.

– Kaitlin Ramirez poured in five goals for the CHS girls water polo team in a narrow 10-7 defeat to Notre Dame on Thursday.

Shannon McAvoy and Julia Graham scored the Cougars’ other two goals.

CHs trailed 6-3 at the half and played the Spirits even in the second half.

– Visiting San Benito High handed the Christopher High boys water polo team a 17-5 loss Thursday.

Matthew Higginbotham, Brennan Wilson and Evan Shapiro had one goal apiece, while James Benson netted two.

GOLF

Though the Gilroy High girls golf team ended up on the wrong end of a 163 to 224 match with visiting San Benito on Thursday, scores continued to fall for the young Mustangs.

Cierra Montoya-Valdez matched her Monday score of 53, Melissa Peterson shot a round of 56, three strokes better than her last score of 59, Ali Hathaway shaved four strokes off her score of 61, shooting a 57 and LaTherian Harrison was three strokes better with a 58.

The team’s lone senior, Shawnte Garcia, fired a 60 in her final home round of the season.

The Mustangs will participate in the Tri-County Athletic League championships Monday at Quail Lodge Golf Course in Carmel Valley.