Jessie Blevins didn’t fill the stat sheet but played a vital role on Ceres High School’s girls water polo team this fall.

A newcomer to the sport, the freshman shined on defense.

Blevins and Bulldog teammates Kaylie Clindaniel and Amber Hopwood were recognized during the Western Athletic Conference year-end coaches meeting.

Clindaniel, Hopwood, Jessie Blevins, Lilly Blevins and Arleth Sanchez were also rewarded at Ceres High’s team banquet.

Jessie Blevins was named to the WAC Second Team.

She scored nine goals.

“She was our top defensive player,” Ceres High leader Stephen Dias said. “Her main goal was to shut down other teams’ No. 1 shooters.”

Jessie Blevins didn’t excel right out of the gate.

“I really saw her grow as the season went on,” Dias said. “As a freshman, that’s what you see. She became a very effective defensive player. She’s strong. She’s aggressive when she needs to be. She understands the game and her purpose.”

“I think she can get way better because she’s very teachable,” he added. “She’s pretty humble. I see a lot of potential growth in her.”

Clindaniel and Hopwood were both WAC honorable-mention picks.

Clindaniel, a junior, led the Bulldogs in scoring with 32 goals.

“She knows where she wants the ball to go and puts it there,” Dias said. “She’s very accurate. She has finesse and strength. It’s fun to watch.”

Hopwood, a junior, tallied 21 goals.

“She’s very competitive,” Dias said. 

Junior Lilly Blevins was named Team MVP during Ceres High’s banquet.

She ranked second on the team in scoring with 30 goals.

“Her key element is her strength she brings into the pool,” Dias said.

Clindaniel was named Ceres High’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Lilly Blevins was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Sanchez was named Outstanding Goalie.

The junior totaled 106 blocks.

“She did a really good job,” Dias said. “She had a lot of saves.”