Bulldogs defeat Sultans in girls water polo match

By Joe Naiman

Ramona High School’s girls water polo team evened its season record at 3-3 with a 14-6 victory Dec. 7 at Santana High School.

“It was a good game for us,” said Coach Donnie Williams. “We were dominating a lot.”

The Bulldogs had a 4-1 lead at the end of the first period.

“We probably had 10 good scoring opportunities even in that timeframe,” Williams said. “We countered on them quite easily. We pressured them.”

By the end of the second quarter Williams had his players working on various plays rather than focusing on scoring, but even the attempt to slow down the offense didn’t keep Ramona from building up an 8-2 halftime lead.

The teams split the six goals in the third period.

“They had one strong shooter who has a good skip shot,” Williams said.

Ramona scored on three of five extra-player opportunities, although the Sultans took advantage of two out of three Ramona penalty exclusions.

Bri Hogervorst led the Bulldogs with four goals. Cassie Bernas, Paulina Bernd, and Jocelyn Schwegler each had three goals while Josie Ward put one ball into the net.

“The good part about the scoring for us is that it was balanced,” Williams said.

Williams noted that having four players with three or more goals prevents the opponent from focusing on one shooter.

“That really makes it hard for the other team,” he said.

Rachel Hogervorst had three assists while Bernas had two assists. Bernd and Bri Hogervorst had one assist apiece.

Bernas led the team with five steals, Bernd executed four steals, and Rachel Hogervorst stole the ball three times. “The girls did a good job of stealing,” Williams said.

Ramona goalie Tiffany Larson made ten saves. “Tiffany had a great game in cage,” Williams said.

The Bulldogs return to Santana on Friday for a game against West Hills, whose pool is being renovated.