Ceres High’s girls volleyball team earned a hard-fought win while battling crosstown-rival Central Valley last week.

The visiting Bulldogs defeated the Hawks 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-21, 25-17) in non-conference play on Aug. 29.

The two teams competed in front of a large crowd.

“Obviously, I’m happy that we won,” Ceres High head coach Kelly Heese said. “It was a competitive match. Any time you’re challenged, you’re going to grow more as a player.”

“Even though we lost, I thought we did well,” Central Valley first-year leader Courtney Dayoff stated. “The girls were positive with each other. They picked each other up. Our strongest part against Ceres High was our serving. We had a high percentage.”

Ceres High improved to 1-2.

Central Valley dropped to 1-5.

Junior Ava Montesdeoca and freshman Jadyn Garcia filled key roles while helping the Bulldogs secure their first victory of the season.

“They were the most consistent, encouraging and motivating,” Heese said. “They kept the team focused and hyped up.”

Ceres High sophomore defensive specialist/libero Amaia Ferrel enjoyed competing against Central Valley at the varsity level for the first time.

“It’s more intense,” she said. “It’s fast-paced. It’s a little nerve racking. But you get used to it. It ends up being fun.”

Yaneli Ramos led the Hawks with 20 digs, nine assists, eight aces and one three kills. 

Jessica Ramos totaled five aces, five digs, two kills and one assist.

Amerie De La Torre collected five aces, three kills and one dig.

Jannet Valencia had four digs, two aces and one kill.

Jayden Corona and Daniela Rodriguez each had four digs and two kills.

Natalie Acosta had four digs, one ace and one assist.

Emily Pulido had two digs and one assist.

Llarely Gutierrez and Jocelyn Munoz both had one dig and one assist.

Briann Tavares had one kill.

Ceres High prevented Central Valley from forcing a winner-take-all set by winning the fourth game by a score of 25-17.

“I made a couple adjustments to my rotation,” Heese said. “I felt it helped our offense a little more. They locked in and found their groove with each other.”

“I think we did well,” Ferrel added. “We worked as a team. We got better as the sets went on and we learned from our mistakes.”

The Bulldogs and Hawks split the first two sets.

Heese used to coach girls volleyball at Central Valley (2012-16).

The Hawks reached unprecedented heights under her guidance.

Central Valley amassed a 30-23 record in Western Athletic Conference action and qualified for the playoffs three times.

Heese downplayed beating her former team.

“It’s our rival,” Heese said. “Of course, the kids want to win. Honestly, it’s just another match to me.”

Heese also talked about the importance of playing with the same effort no matter the opponent.

“Every match should be taken that serious,” Heese said.