Bulldog spikers better record with two home wins
By Joe Naiman
Ramona High School’s girls volleyball team improved its Valley League record to 5-3 and its overall won-loss statistic to 19-9 with home wins Oct. 30 against Valley Center and Nov. 1 against Oceanside.
“It was really nice,” coach Connie Halfaker said of the Bulldogs’ two victories during the week.
The first game of Ramona’s match against Valley Center was a 25-16 contest in favor of the Bulldogs. The Jaguars had a large lead during the second game, although Ramona was able to tie the score at 22-22 before Valley Center ended the match on the winning side of the 25-23 score.
“Shook it back into focus,” Halfaker said.
After a 25-19 triumph in the third game, Ramona sealed the match with a 25-10 victory.
“In game four we were pretty much rolling,” said the coach.
“They always know how to get themselves righted,” Halfaker said of her players overcoming mid-match struggles. “They did a very good job of bringing themselves back.”
Callie Guasti led the Bulldogs with 15 kills against the Jaguars while Robyn Arthur added 12 kills. Guasti and Natalie Seol shared the team lead with two blocks apiece. Sammy Shupe had 38 assists, eight serving aces, and eight digs. Sydney Hickle contributed six aces and nine digs.
Ramona swept Oceanside in 25-8, 25-8, and 25-16 games.
“They were just again much like they were toward the end of game four (against Valley Center),” Halfaker said. “They stepped in just focused and really able to put some things together. Just really did a good job.”
During the week the players set personal goals related to improving specific skills.
“All the girls were able to meet the goals that they set,” Halfaker said.
Guasti had 10 kills against the Pirates and also recorded two blocks. Hickle served six aces, Katie Flinn provided four digs, and Shupe directed the ball for 15 assists.
The Bulldogs will face Oceanside again Thursday on the Pirates’ court to end regular-season play. Saturday’s CIF playoff selection and seeding meeting will determine the rest of Ramona’s 2013 matches.
“Just looking forward to ending the regular season on a high note,” Halfaker said.