Despite digging out a combined 124 digs, the San Benito girls volleyball team lost in five games (30-32, 25-20, 25-23, 12-25, 7-15) to Salinas on Thursday at Mattson Gym in Hollister, falling for the first time this season in the Tri-County Athletic League.
San Benito is now 3-1 in league while the Cowboys improve to 4-0.
"We had the same players on the floor the whole time and it's tough," coach Dean Askanas said. "I don't know if I'd do it any differently. It's a good group out there.
"They're they players that I trust to get it done, so they're getting a workout."
After falling in the first game 32-30, the Lady 'Balers rebounded and held a 2-1 lead. But the team simply could not keep up the pressure on the Cowboys, which took the remaining two games somewhat comfortably.
"We ran out of gas in Games 4 and 5," said Askanas, who also mentioned that Salinas' defense was better than expected.
"They were legitimate," he said.
San Benito's defense was note-worthy as well, as libero Sara Yamasaki had a team-high 34 digs. She wasn't the only one, though, as Sam Klauer contributed 27 digs and Shayna Nakata had 23 digs.
Setter Justine Hunter finished with 39 assists and 24 digs, while outside Courtney Scarlett had 16 kills and 13 digs.
San Benito (9-12) will visit Gilroy Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Mustangs lost in four close games (24-26, 23-25, 25-23, 27-29) to Salinas on Tuesday.
"We've just got to get back on the ball," Askanas said. "It was very close (with Gilroy). We have to get back to work."
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