Optimism is abound as Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s girls soccer teams head into the 2023-24 season.
The Bulldogs plan to continue their tradition of excellence under new leader Rudy Jimenez’s guidance.
Led by seventh-year head coach Miguel Larranaga, the tradition-rich Hawks could return to their winning ways of the past this winter.
“We have the same expectations,” Jimenez said. “We want to try to get as far as we can with the team.”
“I’m very confident we’re going to make playoffs this year,” Larranaga said. “I think we can compete for a league title. It’s going to take a lot of work.”
Ceres High returns nine players from last season’s team, including Lillian Blevins (Sr.), Bianca Camorlinga (Sr.), Arianna Diaz (Sr.), Kaylee Rodriguez (Sr.), Alyssa Santillanes (Sr.), Stephanie Lizola (Jr.), Melanie Lopez (Jr.), Itzel Torrez (Jr.) and Jessie Blevins (So.).
The Bulldogs have 10 newcomers: Analiz Angulo (Sr.), Leilah Elsumeri (Sr.), Isla Hore (Sr.), Marissa Renteria (Sr.), Ariela Roman (Sr.), Jocelyn Yepez (Sr.), Mariah Zamora (Jr.), Evelyn Navarro (So.), Braidynn Mott (Fr.) and Giselle Zamora (Fr.).
“We have a great mix of players,” Jimenez said. “Hopefully, we can be successful.”
Torrez and Navarro have been named team captains.
“I chose them based off leadership and being team players,” said Jimenez.
Diaz earned first-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors as a junior.
She had a team-high 11 goals to go along with two assists.
The Blevins sisters, Jessie and Lillian, were both named to the WAC Second Team.
Lillian starred at goalkeeper.
Younger sibling Jessie performed like a veteran freshman year.
Rodriguez had four goals.
Camorlinga had one goal.
Lizola had one assist.
Central Valley returns 12 players from a year ago, including Isabella Barajas (Sr.), Viviana Flores (Sr.), Isabella Gudino (Sr.), Giselle Hernandez (Sr.), Niome McMurray (Sr.), Yocelyn Rios (Jr.), Daniela Rodriguez (Sr.), Gianna Silva (Jr.), Magnolia Tavizon (Jr.), Aaliyah Jauregui (So.), Marcella Larranaga (So.) and Anali Mendoza (So.).
The Hawks have five newcomers: Aundrea Perez (Sr.), Mia Mendoza (Jr.), Jocelyn Rivera (So.), Sophia Garibay (Fr.) and Aaralyn Jauregui (Fr.).
“The chemistry of the team is amazing,” coach Larranaga said. “There’s no drama.”
Rodriguez and McMurray have been named team captains.
“They’re very good soccer players and teammates,” commented Miguel Larranaga. “The other girls look up to them.”
Rodriguez earned first-team all-Central California Conference honors as a junior.
She scored a team-high nine goals and collected three assists.
Flores tallied six goals and four assists.
Marcella Larranaga dished out a team-high five assists and collected one goal.
Mendoza had three goals and one assist.
Aaliyah Jauregui had two goals and two assists.
Barajas had two goals.
Silva had two assists.
Gudino had one goal.
Ceres High will be vying for its ninth straight playoff berth this winter.
The Bulldogs posted an 11-6-1 overall record, finished second in the WAC and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II playoffs last year.
Ceres High’s league schedule consists of games against Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Los Banos, Pacheco, Lathrop and Mountain House.
“We have great talent,” said Jimenez. “Without a doubt, we shouldn’t have an issue making playoffs.”
Central Valley has won five conference titles and participated in the playoffs four times the past eight years.
The Hawks will look to return to the postseason this winter following a three-year absence. Playoffs were canceled in 2020-21 due to safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Central Valley advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III championship game during the 2017-18 school year.
The Hawks amassed an 11-10-1 overall record and placed fifth in the CCC with a 5-7-0 mark in 2022-23. Central Valley competed shorthanded the majority of the year as six players were lost for various reasons.
The Hawks will battle Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Golden Valley, El Capitan and Patterson during conference play.
“The CCC is a tough league,” Larranaga said. “It’s always been competitive.”
“I’d be surprised if we didn’t make playoffs this year,” he added.
Jimenez was hired to coach Ceres High’s girls soccer team following Hannah Menk’s departure.
He’s employed as a campus supervisor at the school.
Menk guided the Bulldogs to a combined record of 15-5-2 record versus WAC competition and two playoff berths during her three-stint as head coach. Ceres High would have qualified for the postseason during her second year but the tournament was canceled for coronavirus-safety reasons.
“I’ve been coaching CYSO and indoor soccer for a while,” said Jimenez. “This opportunity came up. I applied. It’s been a challenge. I’ve been learning the ins and outs. It’s going to be a process. I’m in it for the long haul.”
