Three members of Ceres High’s water polo program were recognized during the Western Athletic Conference’s year-end head coaches’ meeting, including Abel Samaniego, Amber Hopwood and Jessie Blevins.
Samaniego, Hopwood and Blevins were honorable-mention selections.
Hopwood and Blevins both filled key roles while leading Ceres High’s girls team to a fifth-place finish in the WAC standings (6-7-1).
Samaniego was a standout on Ceres High’s youth-laden boys team, which took last in league play (0-12).
“Honestly, I thought Jessie, Amber and other girls could have been WAC First or Second Team,” said Bulldogs’ Coach Stephen Dias. “But when you finish in fifth place, there’s nothing you can fight for. It’s the process.”
Hopwood, a senior sprinter/driver, scored a team-high 28 goals.
“Her ability to shoot sets her apart from other players. She also played defense when needed. She just loved the game and played. I don’t think she cared about numbers. She just wanted to win.”
A three-year varsity contributor, Hopwood served as team captain the past two seasons.
“She led by example,” said Dias. “But could be verbal when she needed to be. She encouraged the other girls.”
Hopwood made her debut at the varsity level in the ninth grade.
She scored her first goal in the opening three minutes of her first game.
“Freshman year, she didn’t even want to get in the water. It’s a story we laugh about.”
Blevins, a sophomore defender, was named to the WAC Second Team as a freshman.
She tallied 10 goals this season.
“She’s a hard worker. She knows the game. She’s aggressive. I expect more good things from her next year.”
Samaniego led Ceres High’s boys team in scoring with 14 goals..
Hopwood was recognized during Ceres High’s team banquet, along with Arleth Sanchez, Kaylie Clindaniel, Jesus Valdovinos, Isaac Camorlinga, Von Tigner and Jesus Madrigal.
Coach Diaz presented individual awards to Hopwood, Sanchez and Clindaniel.
Hopwood was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Sanchez, a senior, was named Goalie of the Year.
Clindaniel, a junior, was named All-Round Player of the Year.
Clindaniel ranked second on the team in scoring. She also contributed on defense.
Dias also bid farewell to nine senior players, including Hopwood, Sanchez, Evelin Aguirre, Lilian Blevins, Mikaela Canchola, Kimberly Flores, Haley Gaskill, Makynzie Hale and Isla Hore.
“Every year, I give every senior their own water polo ball. All the team members sign each ball. It’s a nice way to end the season.”
Angelique Huerta, first-year head coach of Ceres High girls water polo team, honored Valdovinos, Camorlinga, Tigner and Madrigal.
Valdovinos was named MVP.
Camorlinga was named Most Improved.
Tigner won the Coaches Award.
Madrigal received the Bulldog Award.
Valdovinos, Madrigal and Shawn Janis will be lost to graduation.
