Chad Hartman led Christopher into uncharted territory Wednesday as the team notched its first ever win over San Benito.Â
Hartman’s 21 points helped the Cougars cruise past San Benito 61-37 for their fifth straight win.Â
The Balers were still in striking distance at halftime, trailing 25-19. Christopher bust open the game in the third, however, outscoring San Benito 23-12. The Cougars further improved their lead in the fourth, holding their opponent to just six points.Â
Xander Bowers also had a standout night, posting a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. He also had three steals, three blocks and two assists.Â
Alec Cordova tallied 13 points and picked up three assists, two rebounds and two steals.Â
Hartman nailed two 3-pointers and was 7-for-8 from the free throw line. He also had five rebounds and two assists.Â
The 11-3 Cougars—2-0 in the MBL-Gabilan Division—will host Salinas at 7 p.m. Friday.Â
GIRLS SOCCER
Mustangs top Alvarez
Gilroy is finding its groove as a team and it’s paying off on the scoreboard.Â
The Mustangs topped Everett Alvarez 3-1 Wednesday at home for their first win in the MBL-Gabilan Division.Â
Agust Gomez drew first blood for Gilroy and also had an assist in the game. Monica Ruelas notched the second goal on a corner from Gomez and Chelsey Robles—who coach John Slattery played one of her best games—recorded the third off an assist from Samantha Gonzalez. Gonzalez also had three shots on goal.Â
Alexi Slattery gave the Alvarez goalie trouble as she blasted eight shots at her. The Eagles netminder kept her team in the game, however, denying Alexi all of her chances.
Speaking of goalies, Brittany Bishop made three saves for the Mustangs and was complemented by her back line. Tayler Sillaci, Angela Leonardo, Jessica Koppel and Ruelas all helped protect the newly minted varsity goalie from the Eagles’ attack.Â
Jackie Gomez and Katrina Carter added stellar play for Gilroy, coach John said.Â
The Mustangs will host Alisal at 5:45 p.m. Friday.
Cougars fall to Alisal
Alisal scored a goal in each half of Wednesday’s contest and Christopher was unable to answer.Â
The Trojans shutout the Cougars 2-0 at CHS, giving the hosts a 3-6 overall record, 1-2 in the MBL-Gabilan Division.
Priscilla Ruiz got Alisal on the board with a goal in the first half off an assist from Emily Cruz. The Trojans struck again when Beatriz Maravillo scored in the second half. Cyenna Maldonado got the assist.Â
Christopher will be back in action at 5:45 p.m. Friday at Everett Alvarez.
Find when and where your favorite Cougar and Mustang teams are playing this week:Â
CHRISTOPHER
1.15 — Boys soccer vs. Monterey*, 5:45 p.m.; Girls hoops (1-9) at San Benito*, 7 p.m.
1.16 — Boys hoops vs. Salinas*, 7 p.m.
GILROY
1.15 — Boys soccer at Alvarez*, 5:45 p.m.; Girls hoops vs. North Salinas*, 7 p.m.
1.16 — Girls soccer vs. Alisal*, 5:45 p.m.; Boys hoops at North Salinas*, 7 p.m.; Wrestling at Battle for the Belt, Temecula H.S., TBD
1.17 — Wrestling at Battle for the Belt, Temecula H.S., TBD
*Denotes league contest