It took longer than expected but Ceres High’s varsity girls volleyball team finally earned its first league win this season under new head coach Kelly Heese’s guidance.

The Bulldogs edged the Pacheco Panthers 3-2 (20-25, 25-8, 25-21, 9-25, 15-7) on Sept. 17 in Los Banos.

“I’m happy,” Heese said. “I thought it should have happened a lot sooner.”

Vianney Perez led the 1-4 Bulldogs with 26 digs, three aces and one kill.

Cheralyn Durossette had 16 digs.

Allison Stiles had 15 assists, seven digs, five aces and one kill.

Bella Curry had 14 digs, four kills, one ace and one block.

Lysaida Munoz had 10 digs and three aces.

Mya Robinson had six digs and five kills.

Bethanie Thornberry had five kills, three aces and one block.

Ceres High dominated the fifth-and-decisive game to secure the victory. 

“They were working together,” Heese said. “They played as a team.”

Host Ceres High lost 3-1 (15-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17) to Los Banos on Sept. 19 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs struggled after winning the first game with ease.

“Everything went downhill,” Heese said. “It’s a confidence issue.”

Perez had 28 digs and two aces.

Stiles had 22 assists, 20 digs and one ace.

Curry had 19 digs, eight kills, two assists and one ace.

Durossette had 17 digs, three aces and one kill.

Munoz had 12 digs and three aces.

Thornberry had 10 kills, two digs, one ace and one block.

Ceres High dropped four of its first five conference matches.

“There’s talent on the team,” Heese said. “I’m trying to change the mentality. When you get down, you have to push harder and not give up. It’s going to be a work in progress. This is by far the toughest project I’ve ever had.”