Bulldogs sweep Patriots, Timberwolves in volleyball play

Ramona High School’s girls volleyball team improved its Valley League record to 3-0 with three-game wins at Orange Glen on Oct. 7 and at home against Mission Vista on Oct. 9.

The Bulldogs, who will be participating in the Southern California Invitational tournament Friday and Saturday, improved their overall season record to 16-5.

Ramona defeated Orange Glen in 25-7, 25-13, and 25-11 games.

“They played well and they picked up a lot of balls on defense, but they made a lot of errors that we forced,” coach Connie Halfaker said of the Patriots.

As a team the Bulldogs had 20 serving aces and only 18 kills.

“We put them on their heels real quick,” Halfaker said.

McKenna Marshall led Ramona with six kills, Karina Martinez served five aces, Sammy Shupe returned to action after being rested to recover from a minor injury and had nine assists in two games, Sydney Hickle recorded 12 digs, and Morgann Wilson contributed two blocks.

“It was every team member,” Halfaker said. “It was a good match.”

Last year Ramona won the Valley League championship with a 10-0 league record. Mission Vista was second with an 8-2 mark. The Bulldogs swept nine of their 10 league matches with the Timberwolves capturing one set in the match on Mission Vista’s court. This year Ramona’s sweep at home was by 25-21, 25-18, and 25-13 margins.

“We had expected it to be very competitive, and it was,” Halfaker said. “It was back and forth, back and forth in game one.”

Most of Ramona’s points were not scored easily.

“The ball control from our serve-receive and our defense was wonderful. There was a lot of rallying going on, but we stayed with it and we were consistent,” Halfaker said.

Shupe, who played all three sets against the Timberwolves, had team-leading figures of 21 assists and three aces. Marshall sent nine balls over the net for kills.

Hickle contributed to rallies with 21 digs. Natalie Seol, who returned to action after being rested for her injury, recorded four blocks.

“We put together all aspects of the sport completely from every player,” Halfaker said. “It was very, very disciplined and probably our most complete match of the season, so very satisfying.”