Sophomore Nathaniel Pethyon, and freshmen Luis Alvarez and Mackay Cannella all gained valuable experience during the Ceres High’s varsity boys water polo team’s 16-2 loss to visiting Beyer on Thursday.

“We let some of the underclassmen play,” coach Bill Campbell said. “They played well together. They’re learning the game and getting better.”

The fourth-place Bulldogs dropped to 3-4 in the WAC standings.

The second-place Patriots improved to 7-1.

Beyer and undefeated Johansen (8-0) are newcomers to the WAC.

The Patriots and Vikings competed in the Modesto Metro Conference in the past.

“There are some tough teams in our league this year,” Campbell said.

Ceres High’s Elliott Lewis and Ryan Baranski both scored once against Beyer last week. 

Bulldog freshman goalkeeper Jeremy Kier totaled eight blocks.

The Patriots won the first meeting, 14-1.

“We played well,” Campbell said. “They’re just a much better team. They have a lot of seniors and depth.”

The top three teams in the WAC advance to the postseason.

“It’s still a possibility,” Campbell said. 

Ceres High and third-place Grace Davis are battling for the conference’s final playoff spot.

The Bulldogs will face the Spartans on Oct. 23.

Grace Davis edged out Ceres High 8-7 earlier this year.

“If we win out, we still have a shot,” Campbell said.