San Benito chose to sit back on its heels while Gilroy failed to show up.
The result was a resounding three-set Tri-County Athletic League victory for the visiting Lady 'Balers volleyball team Tuesday: 25-16, 25-16, 25-20.
"I really don't know what it was," Gilroy coach Sue Grogan said. "I didn't get the impression that the girls were intimidated in any way … They were just flat. They didn't look like they were really into playing the game."
San Benito never trailed in the first game. The Mustangs pulled even at 11-all, but from there it was all Lady 'Balers as the visitors went on to score the next nine points.
"We played a pretty defensive-minded game," San Benito coach Dean Askanas said. "We have three very good defensive specialists out there … which helps because we get a lot of digs."
Libero Sara Yamasaki was the team leader in digs with 22, while Sam Klauer, Courtney Scarlett and Shayna Nakata all reached double digits in scoops with 11, 11 and 10, respectively.
Justine Hunter set the table for San Benito with 19 assists, but also showed good athleticism at the net by totaling four blocks. Nakata led the way in kills with seven.
"We knew Gilroy has good potential and we had to come in ready," Askanas said. "For us, coming in prepared is really important."
For Gilroy (6-11 overall, 2-3 TCAL), coming into contests motivated has been an issue all season. After showing more pep in their step in recent games, the Mustangs are now back to trying to figure out what approach will work best.
"I told the girls, I have no idea (what happened)," Grogan said.
"I haven't been able to put my finger on it."
As is often the case with a quick defeat, the Mustangs' stats were less impressive than their opponents. All 18 of Gilroy's kills came on assists, with Lindsey Foster, Sarah UnaDia and Avrielle Walker recording four slams each. Foster had two blocks while Shaunie Hewell (3 kills) and UnaDia had one.
While Grogan was disappointed in her team's effort, she did applaud the way San Benito came out to play.
"With Hollister, they've always seemed to have a fairly focused, disciplined team," she said. "[Askanas] runs a pretty tight ship there."
At 10-12 overall and 4-1 in league, the Lady 'Balers still have hopes of repeating as Tri-County Athletic League champs, as well as moving through the Central Coast Section playoffs.
"I'd like to see us win a TCAL championship," Askanas said. "It's going to be tough but I think we can do that.
"We just have to make sure we don't overlook anyone."
San Benito's coach added that return appearance to the Central Coast Section finals isn't out of reach either.
"I'd like to see us make it to CCS finals and move through NorCals," Askanas said. "All of these are lofty expectations, but I think we're capable with a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work."
San Benito will play in the Menlo Invitational this weekend and will return to TCAL action on Tuesday with a visit to Notre Dame.
Josh Koehn Josh Koehn is a sports writer for South Valley Newspapers. He can be reached at jkoehn@svnewspapers.com.
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