Ceres High School's varsity softball team fell behind early and never recovered in losing 7-5 at Merced on Tuesday, March 8.

The Bulldogs overcame a slow start en route to a 10-4 victory over visiting Orestimba in non-league play last Wednesday.

"I was a little worried, then we settled down," Ceres High head coach Donnie Donaldson said.

Ryan Norton. Camyrnn Broumas, Jessica Ellsworth and Kaycee Creek starred on offense for the Bulldogs.

Norton batted 3-for-4 from the plate with one triple, three RBIs and two runs.

Broumas, a freshman, collected a double, two singles and two RBIs.

Ellsworth finished 3-for-4 with a double and one RBI.

Creek tripled, singled and drove in a run.

Kaycee also pitched. The third-year starter allowed just two hits, struck out six and walked one in three innings.

"She was really effective," Donaldson said.

The Bulldogs had a six-run lead when Kaycee exited the game.

Broumas tossed four shutout innings in relief. She gave up four hits and no runs with one strikeout.

"She doesn't throw as hard as Kaycee but has pretty good movement," Donaldson said. "She did a phenomenal job."

The Warriors tallied three runs on three Ceres High errors in the top of the first inning.

The Bulldogs faced a three-run deficit heading into the bottom of the second inning. Ceres High evened the score at 4-all.

Ceres High broke the game open in the third inning. The Bulldogs scored five of their six runs with two outs.

Alexis Cummings came home on a squeeze play.

Norton had a two-run triple.

Broumas, Creek and Ellsworth all drove in one run.

"We were being real aggressive with the bat and it worked out for us," Donaldson said. "That was nice to see."