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Bulldog girls strive to overcome injuries before playoffs

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By Bill Tamburrino

Coach Erin O’Connor’s Lady Bulldogs finished their road trip with a loss at Westview High school and then lost to Poway in the Dawg House before going into the final week of Palomar League play.

The team is trying to get healthy for the playoffs. Ramona is 13-11 on the year and is 2-6 in league play.

The Westview Wolverines and team injuries were too much for the Lady Dawgs to overcome as they lost a 46-30 decision.

The Lady Bulldogs kept the score close until the third quarter. Ramona trailed 26-22 when the Wolverines (19-6, 7-1) went on a 12-0 run to put the game away. The Wolverine defense kept the Lady Dawgs from getting into their offense as no Lady Bulldog could score in double digits.

Seniors RaeAnne VanTol and Megan Buckley both scored nine points. Westview kept Kim Whelehon from getting open shots and held the high scoring senior to five points. Tiana Zuniga (3) and Paige Conroy (2) were the only other Lady Dawgs to score in the game.

Even though VanTol was hobbled with a sprained ankle and did not play full- time she led all rebounders with 13. She also blocked two shots.

Coach Erin O’Connor refused to make excuses but she was without the services of Niki Spring, and VanTol and Conroy were not at full strength.

“Every player that played, played their hardest and gave it their all. That is all that I can ask,” said O’Connor.

Ramona gave a little more against Poway High School (19-6, 6-2) in a 57-43 loss. Still struggling with injuries the Lady Dawgs played well on offense and defense as they battled for the entire game.

Zuniga led the team with 12 points and grabbed four defensive rebounds as she played her trademark aggressive defense. Whelehon battled through a wrist injury on her shooting hand to score 10 points. The senior guard also played tough defense as she had four steals. VanTol led the lady Bulldogs in rebounding with nine boards as she scored seven points.

Conroy grabbed six rebounds and had four steals and scored four points before fouling out. Buckley scored six points and played well on defense. Mauldin played well and had four rebounds and scored four points.

After the game, Poway’s coach Jay Trousdale was as proud of his alums, who coach Ramona’s team, as he was of his team who is in the fight for the Palomar League title.

“Erin (O’Connor) and Sarah (Spooner) are doing a great job. Their team plays tough defense and they play hard for 48 minutes. I am proud of them,” he said.

The Lady Bulldogs finish their regular season Friday on Senior Night against Torrey Pines and will see if they get a home game in the playoffs.

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