Girls volleyball plays tight matches against Carlsbad

By Joe Naiman

Ramona High School’s girls volleyball team traveled to Carlsbad High School for a Sept. 19 match against a Division I powerhouse. Although the Lancers won in three games, the difference was a total of nine points.

“It was not a bad match to lose. We were okay,” said Ramona coach Connie Halfaker. “Very, very tight match. Very, very good competition.”

Carlsbad took 25-20, 27-25, and 25-23 victories.

“That’s pretty good,” Halfaker said of the pair of two-point losses including one overscore. “We were pleased.”

Halfaker indicated that the match was an assessment of Ramona’s skills.

“A beach city volleyball team is always a good measure to go against,” she said.

Halfaker noted that the creation of the points was also favorable to the assessment of the Bulldogs’ play. “Lots of long rallies,” she said.

“With long rallies you’ve got defense going on,” Halfaker said. “That was a really good measure.”

Jennah Hickle led the Bulldogs with eight kills while Kelsie Whitten’s eight blocks led all Ramona players. Mikayla Derochie recorded 24 assists, Julie Vorhes had 18 digs, and Abby Roulier served two aces.

The loss to Carlsbad gave Ramona a 3-4 season record. The Bulldogs’ final match prior to league play will take place today against Mt. Carmel. Ramona’s league season opens Tuesday at home.