The Ceres Sizzle 16-and-under travel softball team enjoyed a breakthrough performance earlier this month in Modesto.

The second-seeded Sizzle finished first overall in the 16-to-18-year-old Gold Bracket of the NSA Back to School Bash Tournament, Aug. 3-4, at Rainbow Fields.

“This is the first tournament we’ve placed in this year,” head coach Misty Roton said. “Everything was clicking."

Ceres outscored its opponents, 47-26.

The Sizzle had a team batting average of .467.

“That’s the best we’ve performed, offensively, this season,” Roton said. “We played great defense. Our pitchers stepped up. Our team did incredibly well.”

The Sizzle won all five of their games at the six-team tourney.

Emily Bare, Sammy Espinoza, Emery Franco, Emily Giraldes, Cassie Haakm, Rachel Haakm, Larynne Holland, Caitlyn Medeiros, Lacie Nycum, Icessys Pimentel, Kinzy Perkins, Julia Roton and Bethanie Thornberry all contributed.

“We beat all three 18u teams that we played in the tournament,” coach Roton said.

Ceres edged the top-seeded Southern California Softball Association Lobos 18-and-under team 6-5 for the title on Aug. 4.

The Sizzle pounded 13 hits.

Ceres punched its ticket to the championship game with an 11-9 win over third-seeded Valley Sports Academy in the semifinals.

The Sizzle topped the Stockton Lightening 8-0, South Mustangs 10-7 and NorCal Pride 12-5 in pool play on Aug. 3. The Lightening and Pride are 18-and-under teams.

“Getting as many hits as they did in the first game gave them confidence the rest of the tournament,” coach Roton said.

Ceres is coached by Misty Roton, Jason Roton, Crystal Spensley and Charlie Bare.

The Sizzle will close out the season at the End of Summer Bash Tournament Aug. 20 in Elk Grove.

“I’m excited for them,” Misty Roton said while talking about her team’s recent performance. “I’m hoping it carries over into future tournaments.”