The rivalry between San Benito and Gilroy resulted in a raucous
first half of water polo Thursday, but the intensity couldn’t be
sustained for the home squad in the second half.
The rivalry between San Benito and Gilroy resulted in a raucous first half of water polo Thursday, but the intensity couldn’t be sustained for the home squad in the second half.
The visiting Lady ‘Balers proved to be too strong for the Mustangs in the final regular season game of Tri-County Athletic League play, taking a 13-6 victory to slightly spoil “Senior Day.”
Gilroy dropped to 4-4 in league with the loss while San Benito secured the second place seed in next week’s TCAL championships by improving to 7-1. Gilroy is settled in as the fifth seed.
Overcoming a 4-3 deficit at halftime, the Lady ‘Balers rallied with an aggressive offensive attack, driving on goal to outscore the Mustangs 9-3 in the third and fourth periods.
GHS Coach Andy Been said he was happy with his team aside from a few breakdowns on defense.
“We played well. They didn’t have their top player in the game until the second half, but we hung with them,” he said.
Gilroy held a 3-2 lead after an Alana Osaki goal – she had two in the game – but couldn’t keep the Lady ‘Balers from finding open holes on offense, giving up several critical penalty shots in the fourth quarter after committing fouls.
“In the fourth quarter, we gave up some five-meter shots so we have to do a better job of playing defense on their drives and that’s it,” Been said. “That’s the only thing I was disappointed with.”
Katie Buzzetta led all scorers with six goals for San Benito.
The Mustangs’ Megan Collett had two goals off rebounds while senior Jenny Ailes and freshman Chelsea Hill each had a score. Hill has been a scoring machine on the junior varsity squad this season and Been said he plans on bringing her up to the varsity level for the rest of the season.
Before the game, eight seniors (Alies, Osaki, Kelly Been, Alex Mara, Lauren Castruita, Michel Coffin, Rina Alvarado, Megon Leech and Majesta Campbell) were presented sashes and walked down a red carpet to honor their achievements and contributions to the program.
“It’s been fun having the seniors,” Been said. “I’ve had most of them since they were all little kids swimming with the Gators (swim team), so, it’s been a labor of love.”
While the loss will make it increasingly difficult for the Mustangs to make it to Central Coast Section playoffs, there is still a chance. Gilroy will face Robert Louis Stevenson on Tuesday and a win would set up a likely rematch with San Benito.
“We’ve definitely improved on our swimming skills,” Ailes said after Thursday’s game. “We actually kept up with them. I was surprised because they are one of the best teams, and a rival team. We’ll definitely know what to look for then. We’ll know who are their toughest players.”
