Ceres High’s varsity girls water polo team collected a pair of league wins last week.

“It was fun seeing them incorporate things we’ve been working on at practice,” Bulldogs’ head coach Stephen Dias said.

Ceres High routed host Mountain House 16-6 on Thursday.

“We had a pretty good lead but had to fight to keep it,” Dias said. “The girls did a great job. They played as a team today. That was the key.”

The Bulldogs improved to 4-2 in the Western Athletic Conference standings.

Ceres High and Grace Davis are battling for the WAC’s third playoff spot. 

“They’re determined to win,” Dias said. 

Emily Wolff scored 11 goals versus Mountain House.

Angelique Huerta-Alvarado and Elise Cannella both contributed two goals.

Allison McAdams had one goal.

Visiting Ceres High defeated Los Banos 22-17 on Sept. 24.

Wolff poured in a career-high 18 goals.

McAdams scored twice.

Cannella and Makayla Estermann both had one goal.

The Bulldogs led 13-9 at intermission.

Ceres High outscored Los Banos 9-8 during the second half.

“They played smart,” Dias said. “They moved the ball really well.” 

CHS boys secure split

Ceres High’s varsity boys water polo team faced a stiff challenge while competing against host Mountain House last week.

The fifth-place Bulldogs improved to 3-3 in the Western Athletic Conference standings following Thursday’s thrilling 6-5 win over the Mustangs.

 “It was very competitive,” head coach Stephen Dias said. “It was intense.”

Ryan Baranski led the Bulldogs with three goals.

Brian Ayala scored twice. 

Cruz Fee added one goal.

“Every kid did a great job,” Dias said.

Ceres High lost 15-9 at Los Banos on Sept. 24

The Bulldogs fell behind 5-1 in the opening period and never recovered.

“We weren’t focused in the beginning,” Dias said. “We were playing catch-up the whole game. That’s hard to do. I don’t think we were ready for the challenge.”

Luis Alvarez tallied three goals against Los Banos.

Oscar Barajas and Nicholas Campbell chipped in with two goals apiece.

Ayala and Kenneth Arroyo each scored once.

Ceres High has changed its style of play under new leader Dias’ guidance.

“The trick has been getting them to learn how to play the right way,” he said. “They’re finally getting it. I’m proud of them.”

The Bulldogs relied heavily on counterattacks on offense in the past.

“I believe in traditional water polo,” Dias said. “It’s super important to know how to play every position. It takes a lot more thinking.”