Before beginning play in the always competitive Tri-County Athletic League against Alvarez on Sept. 23, Gilroy coach Sue Grogan has made a point of scheduling the best competition possible in the preseason to prepare her players for later in the year.

"Mt. Pleasant is typically a good, solid team," Grogan said. "That's kind of why I like to have them as a preseason game. ... I like to play teams that are going to be a challenge, not an easy win.

"I just want strong teams and different teams for them to play against."

Grogan declined to give full stats for the game, saying it was important for her players to come together as a group rather than focusing on individual accomplishments so early in the schedule, but she did say Melissa Avila, Loryn Ferreira, Lindsey Foster and Avrielle Walker "were probably the most dynamic on the court."

For now, though, the team must focus on wins and losses rather than kills and aces,

"They need to understand it's about the game, not the stats," Grogan said.

The coach then added that the goal for this team is to not be satisfied with simply qualifying for the Central Coast Section playoffs.

"We've proved that we have the skill ability to get to CCS, but do we have the skill ability to push forward after that?" Grogan said.

The Mustangs will have a chance to rebound Thursday at 6:30 p.m. when they play at Valley Christian, which defeated Notre Dame of San Jose in three straight games. Earning a victory won't be easy, though.

"Valley Christian, I would imagine, is going to be a tough one to play (against)," Grogan said.

Junior Varsity

Gilroy's junior varsity girls volleyball team remained flawless on the season by beating Mt. Pleasant 25-10, 25-18 on Tuesday. The Mustangs are now 7-0, including three wins earned at a preseason tournament in Watsonville.