High School Sports

As with every season, winning the first game in league play is a must. For the San Benito and Gilroy high baseball teams, a league-opening win meant even more, as the Balers try to earn a seventh-straight Tri-County Athletic League title and the Mustangs try knock their rival off that perch.

Lauren Castro struck out five, walked three and surrendered just one hit in anchoring the Gilroy High softball team's 1-0 victory over Capuchino in nonleague action Tuesday in Gilroy. Not too shabby for her high school debut.

The simplest way to put it: Gilroy High soccer player Jonathan Diaz De Leon is a game changer. Put him at forward and he was one of the deadliest strikers in the Tri-County Athletic League.

Christopher High’s Peter Hilkene tied for third with a 42 at the season opening Tri-County Athletic League Avalley Division golf meet at Salinas Golf and Country Club on Monday.

Charles Walker garnered Tri-County Athletic League recognition in two categories, including a bid to the first-team all-league list after his senior season with the Gilroy High basketball team.

Led by Manny Avila’s five goals, the Christopher High lacrosse team evened its early season record with a 9-8 victory over host Santa Cruz on Friday night.

Jaylan Gallardo pitched 6.2 innings, Justin Nelson had three RBIs and the Gilroy High baseball team defeated Hayward 4-2 in nonleague action Saturday in Gilroy.

Gilroy High wrestling coach Greg Varela tells a story dating back six or seven years. In it, Varela, who is in his third year at the helm and 10th overall with the program, poignantly describes a handful of young wrestlers training together in a garage as he guides the way with the help of a couple other coaches.

Last week the number was 10, as in 10 straight section championships. On Saturday morning in Bakersfield, the magic number was 3. In a span of 20 minutes  three Gilroy High semifinalists became a trio of finalists and are one win away from a CIF State Wrestling championship.