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The work-in-progress Bulldogs showed some promising signs for the future against Steel Valley Friday night, but they also had their negative moments.

Right now, Meadville coach Norm Price is more concerned about the negatives.

“I was really disappointed in our execution on offense and our competitiveness,” said the legendary MASH mentor after the Bulldogs dropped their season opener to Steel Valley, 62-53 in the opening round of the Sertoma Tip-Off Tournament at the House of Thrills.

The Ironmen will play George Junior Republic — which knocked off Titusville, 62-57 — tonight at 8 for the championship. The consolation game between the Bulldogs and Rockets will get underway at 6:30.

Without a returning starter from last season’s playoff team and three players (Aaron Barton, Tony Phillips and heralded freshman Adam Barba) playing their first career varsity game, the Bulldogs didn’t get into a consistent flow offensively.

Price was somewhat bewildered with MASH’s sluggishness.

“We have some very intelligent group of kids and I expected us to execute better,” he said. “I know it’s our first game, but I thought we would run our offense better.”

The Bulldogs shot 40 percent from the floor, 20-for-49.

Meadville shooting woes weren’t Price’s only concern. The Ironmen lived up to their moniker — they outmuscling the Bulldogs.

“They (Steel Valley) were more physical than us,” said Price. “In the second half, they out-gutted us. We have to be more competitive and physical for us to be successful.”

Outhustling Meadville, Steel Valley closed third-quarter action with a 7-0 run to take a 50-38 lead heading into the fourth quarter.