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Bulldog voted league MVP
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Ceres High School's varsity boys water polo program made history this year.

Led by Nick Serratos, Kenny Carroll and Kody Fliflet, the Bulldogs placed third in the Valley Foohill Conference en route to securing their first berth to the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs since 2005.

The senior trio earned recognition during the league's year-end coaches meeting at BJ's Restaurant in Modesto on Nov. 3.

Serratos edged out Oakdale's Neal Cadra for the Most Valuable Player award.

"I'm really happy I got it," he said. "But I wasn't expecting it. At the beginning of the year, I just wanted to get on the first team."

Nick had a record-breaking career with the Bulldogs.

He shattered Joey Rossi's scoring marks.

Serratos totaled 318 goals, including 178 in 2010.

He also had 47 steals and 38 assists this season.

"It was awesome to see someone set a goal and surpass it," Bulldogs head coach Tim Reyes said. "He was determined. He worked hard and never slacked off."

"I thought I'd get close to his (Rossi's) record but I didn't think I'd break it," Serratos said. "It's pretty amazing. My sophomore year, I sat the bench."

Nick could be inducted into the Ceres High Athletic Hall of Fame in the future.

"To be part of that would be great," he said.

Carroll, Ceres High's standout goalkeeper, was named to the VFL second team.

He tallied 342 blocks, 49 steals, 36 assists and five goals.

Kenny had a career-high 29 saves against Sonora.

"Hands down, he should have been first team," Reyes said. "He helped us tremendously on defense. He proved himself this year. He always fought hard until the end."

Added Serratos: "I thought he (Carroll) should have been in consideration for MVP."

Fliflet was an honorable-mention selection. A utility player on offense and 2-meter defender, Kody accumulated 27 goals, 49 assists and 49 steals.

Ceres High compiled a 6-4 record in VFC play.