Bulldogs drop overtime thriller to Fallbrook
The Ramona High School girls lacrosse team lost a heartbreaker to Fallbrook 8-7 in the Lady Bulldogs first overtime game.
Fallbrook built an early three-goal lead. The Lady Bulldogs came storming back to tie it up on the strength of goals by Christina Ramirez, Aida Smith and Miriam Camacho.
The Bulldog defense, led by Brandi Anthony, Jacky Millwood and Kirsten Peterson and defensive wing Elexa Brogdon, clamped down on the Fallbrook shooters in the second half.But the Bulldogs found themselves behind by two goals with only several minutes remaining in regulation.
As in their first game victory over Fallbrook, Ramona stormed back behind the centering artistry of Katie Schipper and the determination of senior captain Jacky Roteck.
“Roteck knotted the score at seven with only seconds remaining in regulation, dodging through heavy traffic in the crease to find the upper corner of the net with her fourth goal of the game, bringing the enthusiastic home crowd to its feet,” stated Coach Jim Bliss.
The exhausted Bulldogs allowed one goal in the overtime period.
“Arisa Sanderson was rock solid in the net as always,” said Bliss. “Her 20 saves kept us in the game.”
Ramona lost to Mission in the season finale 13-5 at home in front of an enthusiastic Senior Night crowd. Jacky Roteck, Miriam Camacho, Taylor Doelman, Christina Ramirez, Kenia Reyes, Katie Schipper, Kirsten Peterson, Darcy Hauslik, Jacky Cervantes and Brea Orluskie were all honored before the game for their contributions to a successful inaugural lacrosse season at RHS.
“We gave Mission Hills all it could handle on the festive evening, “ said Bliss “Stanford-bound Jacky Cervantes and teammate Darcy Hauslik exhibited the stick work and crisp passing that has characterized the Bulldogs all year.”
Bliss also had praise for Kenia Reyes, who guided the offense from her attack wing position. Junior Captain Brandi Anthony led the scoring with two goals while Taylor Doelman, Jackie Millwood and Katie Schipper contributed a goal apiece.
“Ramona exhibited steady improvement throughout the year and the seniors leave behind a legacy of determination and pride that future teams will build on,” said a very proud Coach Bliss.
Junior varsity
“The junior varsity team not only gave Bulldog lacrosse fans something to cheer about this year, they also provided a glimpse of a bright future with an end-of season three game winning streak,” said Bliss.
The Baby Bulldogs, as Bliss refers to the junior varsity, swept a two-game series from league rivals San Marcos and Mission Hills and added two victories against Lincoln.
RHS opened its impressive run by beating league rival San Marcos 15-5 behind three-goal “hat tricks” scored by center Stephanie Destefano and wing Nicole Darrough. Speedy attackers Daniela Nunez, Tiffany Lee and Alyssa Ross each added two goals to the relentless Bulldog scoring drives.
“Goalie Becky Nolin was tough in the cage, turning back nine San Marcos shots,” said Bliss.
RHS visited the Lincoln Hornets for a rematch and beat the Hive 15-5. The Baby Bulldogs continued their winning ways behind four goals each from Nicole Darrough and Alyssa Ross and three from speedy attack wing Kacy Herald.
“The center tandem of Tiffany Lee and Stephanie Destefano dominated the offensive flow with draw control and ground ball mastery, said Bliss. “The defense, led by Katie Cobian, Marisa Ybarez and Courtney Robinson has been impressive all year and was particularly tough against Lincoln.”
The junior varsity closed out the historic first season with an 11-5 win over Mission Hills. RHS showed a close-checking, hustling style that has characterized the team all season led by juniors Esme Reyes and Emmalee Austin. The scoring was well-distributed with Ross, Destefano Darrough, Lee, Nunez and Herald contributing.