Water Dawgs solid in Ravens win

By Joe Naiman

Ramona High School’s girls water polo team improved its record to 6-3 with a 10-1 home win Jan. 6 against Canyon Crest.

“These girls are playing solid water polo right now,” said Coach Donnie Williams. “The girls are playing really well.”

The Bulldogs scored the game’s first four goals prior to the Ravens’ only score, which took place in the first period.

“This kind of defense is really good,” Williams said.

The match against Canyon Crest was Ramona’s fourth of the season against a San Diego Section opponent. The Bulldogs scored 45 goals in those four games while allowing only 13 scores during the 16 periods of play.

“Our defense is doing a wonderful job,” Williams said.

Ramona led the Ravens by a 5-1 margin after the first quarter and had an 8-1 cushion at halftime. Substitutions and a focus on play formations rather than scoring were implemented in the second half, and the Bulldogs scored the game’s final two goals in the third period.

Ramona goalkeeper Tiffany Larson had six saves and added two steals. Paulina Bernd and Bri Hogervorst had three steals apiece while Rachel Hogervorst, Jocelyn Schwegler, and Josie Ward each had one steal. Holly Fletcher contributed a field block for the Bulldogs.

Bernd and Fletcher had three goals apiece. Cassie Bernas scored twice, including on a five-meter penalty shot. Schwegler and Bri Hogervorst placed one shot apiece into the net.

Although Bernas scored on the penalty shot, the Bulldogs were unsuccessful on all four of their extra-player advantages.

“We moved the ball real well but didn’t finish,” Williams said.

Canyon Crest also had four extra-player opportunities, but the Bulldogs staved off all four of their penalty exclusions.

Bri Hogervorst also had three assists. Bernd had two assists while Fletcher, Bernas, and Rachel Hogervorst contributed one assist apiece.

The Bulldogs travel to Rancho Bernardo for today’s match.