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Bouncing back from a tough, five-set loss to Christopher High School, the Hollister High girls volleyball team swept Alisal High in non-league play on Sept. 10 at Mattson Gym.
The Balers beat the Trojans 25-20, 25-13, 25-23 in the three-set victory before three consecutive matches last week including their league opener.
Varsity head coach Lisa Becerra said the team played more “disciplined” than it did in its previous away match against Christopher, when the Balers split the first four sets before losing in the fifth set, 15-8.
“When you’re more disciplined then we’re able to filter balls to our defense and that adds up to being able to terminate points,” Becerra said.
The Balers struggled early in the first set to find a rhythm, committing multiple serving errors and giving the Trojans free points. Hollister settled in during the second half of the set, using defensive blocks and offensive plays to erase Alisal’s lead and take the set.
With the offense warmed up, the Balers carried their momentum into the second set, cruising to victory.
Senior middle blocker and captain Reilly Haertel said the team played well.
“I’m glad we handled business a little bit faster in the second set, that was good,” Haertel said. “We’ve been working on our defense a lot and we did a way better job, especially passing so that was really good to see just passing free balls.”
The Balers faced another early deficit in the third set but remained aggressive despite several serving errors. Their defense continued to hold up, with blocks and pressure at the net forcing multiple violations by the Trojans.
With the set close until the final point, Hollister closed out the sweep on a serving error by Alisal.
Junior libero Izabella Rodriguez led the team with 12 digs and three aces. Junior outside hitter Diana Martinez Ruiz was the kill leader with 10. Senior setter Trixie Rizon and freshmen setter Paloma Becerra had 16 assists each.
“This win is really important, especially in preseason and even though it doesn’t technically count, it starts us off in a really good mood,” Haertel said. “I’m glad we won this game because it just sets us up for a good season.”
Becerra said the momentum from the victory will carry into the Balers’ three-game week as they begin Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division play.
“We’re ready for that,” Becerra said, “but we just have to keep building, getting one percent better every day and building on what we’ve been working on, which is our discipline and playing in a system.”
Baler volleyball played three matches in consecutive days from Sept. 15-17 last week, winning a non-league contest against Monte Vista Christian High and a league contest against Monterey High School, and falling to Salinas High to improve their overall record of 6-5.
The Balers will travel to Carmel High on Sept. 23 to take on the Padres at 6 p.m.
BenitoLink thanks our underwriter, Hollister Rotary, for helping expand the sports coverage around San Benito County. Rotary is a nonprofit organization that conducts humanitarian projects, encourages high ethical standards, and works toward world understanding. All editorial decisions are made by BenitoLink.
The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.
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