Ceres High’s varsity girls water polo team won in thrilling fashion while battling host Johansen during the opening week of Western Athletic Conference play.

Kassandra Armas’ goal propelled the Bulldogs past the Vikings, 11-10, in overtime on Thursday in Modesto.

“They’ll be looking for revenge when they come to our pool,” head coach Stephen Dias said. 

Ceres High improved to 1-1 in the WAC standings.

Armas’ clutch goal broke a 10-10 tie with 51 seconds to play in the second overtime.

Camryn Silva’s goal evened the score at 10-all with 49 seconds left in the first overtime.

“It was so tense,” Dias said. “I could barely breathe.”

Camryn Silva led the Bulldogs in scoring with five goals.

Armas had three goals.

Emily Wolff collected two goals.

Gisele Garcia chipped in with one goal.

Ceres High and Johansen battled to a 9-9 tie in regulation.

The Bulldogs and Vikings played two three-minute periods of overtime.

Ceres High was forced to regroup after blowing a four-goal lead.

“They lost their focus,” Dias said. “They realized if they didn’t play as a team, they weren’t going to win. It was a learning experience.”

Ceres High boys twice

Ceres High’s youth-laden varsity boys water polo program faced a mountain of a challenge during the first week of Western Athletic Conference play.

Johansen and Beyer beat the Bulldogs by a combined score of 29-2.

“It’s a tough way to open up league,” head coach Bill Campbell said. “Nobody likes to get beat like that. We tried to stay as positive as we could.”

Ceres High lost 15-1 at Johansen on Thursday.

Elliott Lewis accounted for the Bulldogs’ lone goal.

Ceres High trailed 10-0 at halftime.

“Johansen has a really good team,” Campbell said. “They went undefeated in the MMM last year.”

Ceres High suffered a 14-1 loss at Beyer on Sept. 11.

Lewis prevented the shutout with a goal.

“We’re working hard to improve,” Campbell said.