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Dawgs make history in golf
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Ceres High School's varsity girls golf program made history in 2010.

The Bulldogs secured their first-ever Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth and placed third in the Western Athletic Conference with a 7-5 record.

Ceres High had high hopes for the 2011 season despite competing with a revamped roster.

The Bulldogs qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row by virtue of their runner-up finish in the WAC regular season standings.

"We surprised some people," Bulldogs head coach Randy Cerny said.

Arleen Xayasone, the team's lone returner, and newcomers Jessica Ellsworth, Caitlin Pfaff, Kinsey Ward, Erica Hogner, Jasmine Perez and Martina Smith propelled the Bulldogs to record heights.

Ceres High struggled to a 1-13 record in 2009. "We weren't as good my sophomore year," Arleen said while practicing with her Bulldog teammates at River Oaks Golf Course on Oct. 18. "We got better my junior year. Everything changed. Everyone has experience and knows how to play the game."

Ceres High (10-2) beat every team in league twice this year except for undefeated Central Catholic. The Bulldogs swept Central Valley, Livingston, Patterson, Pacheco and Los Banos.

"We were consistent the whole season," said Caitlin, one of three freshman who started and excelled in 2011. "I expected all of us to do great. I'm just happy to say I was a part of it."

Pfaff, Ward and Hogner motivated Xayasone.

"They pushed me," Arleen said. "They made me focus more. I played my best and earned all league again."

Pfaff and Hogner play golf year round.

Ward splits time between softball and golf.

"I've done match play with (River Oaks' teaching pro) Greg Silva," Caitlin said. "It's different in high school. There's added pressure."

Xayasone graduates in June.

She'll be tough to replace.

"I'm going to miss everyone," Arleen said. "We made a lot of memories. I wish we had a little more time together."

"I'm going to miss Arleen so much next year," Pfaff said. "The van rides home were fun. We made each other laugh."

Ceres Hill will try to end Central Catholic's reign in 2012.

"If the girls keep working hard, we'll challenge for the WAC championship," Cerny said.

"I have faith we can beat them," Pfaff added. "We want to win one, two or three league titles."

Ceres High didn't field a team in 2008 and 2007 due to a lack of interest.

The Bulldogs have advanced to the postseason twice and posted a combined record of 17-7 under Cerny's guidance. Ceres High experienced a major turnaround.

"He's one of my favorite coaches," Xayasone said. "He makes you a better person."