San Benito-Salinas volleyball

 The road to a league title goes through one of these programs. At least, that has been the case over the last six years.
 Season sweeps have been the protocol, with the Balers having swept Salinas in 2015 and 2016 en route to Gabilan Division titles.
 Prior to that, the Cowboys had swept San Benito four straight years in capturing four consecutive league titles.
 So yes, the first match is critical in setting the tone.
 As expected, both teams come into the first of two meetings tonight undefeated in league play, with the reigning champions having beaten Salinas in a tournament on Sept. 16.
 The Cowboys are undefeated on their home court this year behind Cal Poly-SLO bound Taylor Rose, who is having a monster year at the net and in the back row.
 Not having 6-4 Savanna Maker in the front row because of an injury has forced setter Jennifer Foley to look for alternatives, where contributions have come from Aloah Delk and Justine Warwick.
 The Balers attack starts with two-time all-league hitter Lauren Sabattini. Three all-leaguers are back in the lineup, including setter Kieley Hoskins and defensive specialist Nicole Andrade.