Water Dawgs start 2014 with loss at Valhalla

By Joe Naiman

Ramona High School’s girls water polo team began 2014 with a match at Valhalla but lost to the Norsemen 12-8.

“As a group we need to be a little better defensively on transitions,” said coach Donnie Williams. “On the offensive side, it’s just finishing.”

The Norsemen had a 3-1 lead after the first quarter of the Jan. 7 match.

“We just played a little sloppy on offense,” Williams said.

The score was 5-5 at halftime.

“We came out pretty strong in the second quarter,” said the coach.

At one time during the third quarter the teams were tied at six goals apiece.

“We went back and forth a little bit,” Williams said.

Valhalla took an 8-6 lead before entering the fourth period with a 9-7 advantage.

“We made a couple of mental mistakes,” said Williams. “All in all the girls played fairly strong. We were just a little bit off on our timing.”

Holly Smith led the Bulldogs with three goals. Paulina Bernd and Cassie Bernas each placed two shots into the net. Jocelyn Schwegler scored Ramona’s other goal.

“I think we played well,” Williams said. “I thought we played strong in general.”

The Bulldogs have a non-league road game Thursday at Mt. Carmel High School.