In one of the most competitive Tri-County Athletic League dual
meets in recent history, the Live Oak High boys swim team rose to
the occasion against a determined Hollister-San Benito effort on
Thursday. The host Haybalers stayed with the usually dominant
Acorns until late in the meet, but LO eventually prevailed 104-85.
(LO also won the girls meet but the final score was not
available.)
In one of the most competitive Tri-County Athletic League dual meets in recent history, the Live Oak High boys swim team rose to the occasion against a determined Hollister-San Benito effort on Thursday.
The host Haybalers stayed with the usually dominant Acorns until late in the meet, but LO eventually prevailed 104-85. (LO also won the girls meet but the final score was not available.)
In fact, the boys competition was so intense that it impressed even veteran LO coach Mack Haines.
“It was a lot of fun,” Haines said. “Basically, it was a really exciting high school meet and it was competitive from beginning to end. Every place made a difference. It should set up a really interesting league finals.”
Key victories for LO came in the 200 freestyle, where Justin Short, edged Baler standout David Smith, and the 100 freestyle, where Shea Coleman and freshman Michael Wu edged the Baler swimmer.
On the girls side, Laura Shope and Ronni Gautschi had stellar performances against an overmatched Baler squad that was reportedly missing two of its top swimmers. Haines said Gautschi swam well despite a knee injury that will require surgery.
LO softball
It got kind a little more exciting than the Live Oak High softball team would have preferred in the seventh, and final, inning of Thursday’s 3-2 victory over Aptos at Community Park.
Cruising along with a 3-0 lead, a one-hitter and 13 strikeouts under her belt with two outs in the final inning, LO pitcher Juliette Bowers ran into trouble against a determined Mariners team. Aptos picked up a single, then an error put another runner on, and another error scored a run. After a steal of second, a fielder’s choice scored the second run of the inning and the tying run went to third.
But Bowers struck out the final batter to escape with the win and improved LO to 7-1 overall.
The Acorns took a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run double by Brittney Ondich and an RBI single by Kelly McDonald.
LO’s game at North Salinas on Tuesday was rained out and will be rescheduled. The Acorns play Carlmont in the Circle of Champions Tournament at Twin Creeks on Saturday at noon.
In JV action, LO improved to 9-3-1 overall with a 2-1 victory over San Lorenzo Valley in the Circle of Champions tourney. Tricia Goularte had 14 strikeouts in the win. Also last week, LO beat Homestead 11-5 and downed Leland 7-3.
Correction:
In the March 22 issue of the Morgan Hill Times, it was incorrectly reported that the Live Oak High boys volleyball team’s Bronze Division title at the Leland Tournament was an improvement over a year ago. Last year’s team actually won the tourney’s Silver Division title, one step up from the Bronze Division.
The Times makes a concerted effort to ensure fair and accurate reporting, but errors do occur. It is our policy to acknowledge and correct significant errors promptly. Mistakes should be called to the attention of Editor Walt Glines by calling 779-4106 or e-mailing ed******@*************es.com
