Bulldogs earn sixth seed in volleyball playoffs
Third in final league standings
By Joe Naiman
Ramona High School’s girls volleyball team received the sixth seed in the CIF Division II playoffs.
The seeding gives the Bulldogs a playoff opener on Nov. 6 at home against University City with the winner of that match playing in a Friday, Nov. 9, quarterfinal against the West Hills-Olympian victor.
Ramona finished the regular season with a 20-11 overall record, including a 6-4 Valley League statistic which was worth third place in the standings.
The Bulldogs earned their 20th victory of the season Oct. 30 at home against Orange Glen.
“It was a nice opportunity to let everybody have time on the court,” said coach Connie Halfaker.
Illnesses left Halfaker without setter Mikayla Derochie and relegated outside hitter Jennah Hickle to limited action. Cassidy Shields was Ramona’s setter for the match against the Patriots and she had 31 assists.
“Everything was spread around a lot,” Halfaker said.
Middle blocker Callie Guasti led the Bulldogs with six kills while Christina Barrameda had five kills.
“It was just a very balanced attack,” Halfaker said. “It shows how well Cassidy plays that position and how well she moves the ball around.”
Guasti and Abby Roulier shared the team lead with two blocks. Julie Vorhes had 20 assists, and Vorhes and Shields each had two serving aces.
Ramona’s Nov. 1 match against Del Norte was at home, and the regular-season finale was also Senior Night for Ramona. The Bulldogs honored Derochie, Hickle, Shields, Vorhes, Sarah Kosut, Laurel Kerner, and Kelsie Whitten prior to the game. An eighth senior, Hannah Seitz, had a knee injury prior to the start of the season and did not play in 2012 but became part of the Bulldogs’ coaching staff. The honored seniors also included manager Josh Plunkett.
Del Norte swept the Bulldogs in 25-16, 25-23, and 25-20 games.
“Game three we had them and they went on a run at the end,” Halfaker said. “We all of a sudden made several mistakes.”
Halfaker noted that the Nighthawks had their starting lineup on the court during the second game.
“That one we seesawed back and forth and we were right with them,” she said.
Del Norte was given the second seed, behind Cathedral Catholic, in the Division III playoffs.
“They’re a very quality team and we played them very hard,” Halfaker said. “It was a well-fought game. It was a nice Senior Night where we were playing a very tough opponent.”
Del Norte was the only team to beat the Bulldogs twice in league play. Ramona’s previous loss was a three-game match Oct. 25 at Mission Vista.