By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Patriots edge boys waterpolo team
Placeholder Image
The final seconds ticked off the clock. Beyer celebrated. Members of the Ceres High boys water polo team slapped the water in frustration before climbing out of the swimming pool.

The Patriots beat the Bulldogs 14-11 in overtime in Ceres on Thursday.

"I knew it was going to be a good game," said Beyer coach Kyle MacDonald. "The better team won."

Roland McDaniel scored a game-high six goals for the Patriots, who improved to 3-0 in the Modesto Metro Conference. Beyer's Daniel Hunt had three goals, Nick Heron and Matt Dial had two goals and Tommy Hunter had one goal.

Joey Rossi had a team-high four goals, Markus Richter, Eric Scudder and Mike Polovin each added two goals and Kyle Fliflet scored goal for the Bulldogs, who fell to 2-1 in the MMC.

Ceres had a chance to win in regulation. Polovin fired a shot off the left post with eight seconds remaining.

"It was up to me to win the game," Polovin said. "And I lose it."

Added Scudder: "It's not your fault. We just didn't play our best game. We weren't playing good defense."

Beyer outscored Ceres 4-1 in overtime.

Hunt scored two goals and Heron and Dial each had one goal for the Patriots. Rossi scored the Bulldogs' lone goal.

"We played solid defense," MacDonald said. "They crumbled under pressure."

Zack Woodward made nine saves in goal for Beyer.

Ceres goalkeeper Justen Harper had 11 saves.

Beyer will play host to Ceres on Oct. 5. The Patriots and Bulldogs wrap up their three-game series at Ceres High on Oct. 21.

"Definitely looking forward to playing them again," MacDonald said. "I like playing the tougher teams."

Said Scudder: "We'll get them next time."

Dawgs place fourth

The Bulldogs took fourth in a field of 16 at the Central Valley Championships, which was hosted by Atwater and Merced high schools.

Ceres won two of five games.

Rossi scored a team-high 19 goals. Scudder had 12 goals. Mike Polovin and Kyle Fliflet each had one goal. Harper blocked 30 shots in goal.

The Bulldogs went 0-3 in the championship bracket. They lost 9-6 to Golden Valley, 12-5 to Atwater and 8-5 to Lincoln of Stockton on Saturday.

Ceres compiled a 2-0 record in pool play. The Bulldogs beat Modesto High 10-8 and Granite Bay 7-6 on Friday. - By DALE BUTLER / Staff Reporter of The Ceres (Calif.) Courier