Gilroy sent shock waves through the Blossom Valley Athletic
League when its badminton team knocked Gunderson from the ranks of
the unbeatens Monday with an 8-7 win.
Gilroy sent shock waves through the Blossom Valley Athletic League when its badminton team knocked Gunderson from the ranks of the unbeatens Monday with an 8-7 win.
“We had fun doing it,” GHS coach Wayne Scott said. “I keep telling the team that they can beat the good teams with hard work and a break. We had a lot kids show up for practice during the break. I think we surprised the heck out of Gunderson.”
That the Mustangs (7-4) swept the boys singles wasn’t a shock since that is where Gilroy has been strong all season. It was a sweep in mixed doubles that set the Mustangs up for the stunning outcome and helped hand the Grizzlies their first loss after 10 wins.
“I believe it’s the first time we have swept mixed doubles,” Scott said. “That was a real pleasant surprise.”
Connie Kuang and Fernando Arellano won 15-10, 10-15, 15-4; Jasmine Hyatt and Francisco Gil won 15-9, 15-12; and Stina Marshall and Anthony Ualat won 15-3, 15-13.
Twice-beaten Arthur Lee led the boys singles, winning 10-15, 15-1, 15-5. Johnny Kuang won 15-13, 15-2, and Jorge Fernandez won 15-4, 15-8.
In girls doubles, Christine Camacho and Ariana Azevedo won 15-4, 15-13, and Tracy Pham and Vindy Yang won 15-0, 15-13.
“I think we definitely opened some eyes for our kids,” Scott said.
The Mustangs’ next match is 3:30pm Wednesday at San Jose High.
Volleyball
The last team Gilroy wanted to face in an out-of-town tournament was one from the Tri-County Athletic League.
But that’s just what confronted the Mustangs during Saturday’s San Francisco Invitational at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Gilroy (6-14) got the top seed in the Silver Bracket and right away had to meet Palma, a team the Mustangs beat in league play. This time, the Chieftains were victorious. After Gilroy won the first game, Palma took the next two. Nevertheless, Mustang coach Sue Grogan was pleased with her team’s effort.
“I think the guys are finding a little more cohesiveness,” Grogan said. “They tried running a few plays. Some worked and some didn’t, but at least they are being bold enough to try. Hopefully it is confidence showing through.”
Gilroy had to play powerful Serra right out of the blocks and lost. The Mustangs then beat defensively strong Lowell before falling to Harbor.
Kevin Bruce led GHS with 28 kills, seven blocks and 14 digs. Setter Greg Calimpong had 53 assists and 16 digs. Meer Fakhry had 11 kills and three blocks. Sean O’Neill and Renz Campos had nine kills each. Libero Mike Leininger had 26 digs.
Gilroy hosts Alisal at 6:30pm today in a TCAL match.
Track and Field
Several Gilroy athletes braved the elements to compete at the water-logged 17th annual Hampton-Phillips Track Classic at San Jose City College.
Kathleen Miller turned in a personal best 11:45.55 in the 3,200. Brandie Rodriguez also lowered her best previous time, finishing in 12:06.34. In the 1,600, Elise Ogle ran a 5:25.75.
Tylaisha Friend finished sixth with a triple jump of 32-04.25. Kim Johnson was fifth in the discus with a toss of 90-10.
Jaime Reyes finished second in the 800 in 2:06.52. Dante Fullard was second in the frosh-soph triple jump at 37-09.
“It was pouring rain,” GHS coach Jeff Myers said. “I was just happy our kids showed up in rain and got some sort of meet under their belt during vacation.”
