Ceres High School’s varsity girls water polo team challenged host Los Banos during the opening half of Thursday’s Western Athletic Conference match.

Down 1-0, the Bulldogs were outscored 6-3 the rest of the way.

The Tigers prevailed, 7-3, in their home pool.

“I have no doubt we can beat them next time,” Ceres High head coach Stephen Dias said. “The girls were shooting more today. That’s a positive.”

Ceres High’s Ashley Schmidt was sidelined with a hand injury.

Bulldog teammate Amber Clemins played sparingly after getting the wind knocked out of her early in the game.

“We ran out of energy,” Dias said.

The Bulldogs dropped to 0-3 in the WAC standings.

The Tigers improved to 1-2.

“If we win every game from this point forward, we can tie for second place,” Dias said. “There’s no room for error.”

Ceres High goalkeeper Jasmine Moore made 11 saves.

Annie Connors scored twice.

Julia Pata had one goal.

“Jasmine was dynamite,” Dias said. “She played a great game.”