Central Valley’s softball program hasn’t enjoyed much success against crosstown-rival Ceres High over the years.
The Hawks had an all-time record of 1-30 versus the Bulldogs prior to last week’s matchup. Central Valley lost 19-3 and 10-0 to Ceres High in 2025.
Central Valley earned just its second win versus Ceres High on April 15.
The host Hawks held on for a 3-2 victory over the Bulldogs.
The two teams were unbeaten in Western Athletic Conference playing prior to facing off.
“I’m really proud of our girls and program for making it a competitive game now,” Central Valley head coach Jimmy Bates said. “In the past, it’s been one-sided.”
“It was a well-played game by both teams,” Ceres High leader Marcos Duran said. “I can’t think of anything we could have done different. We’re evenly-matched teams. They came out on top. I give them credit for that.”
Central Valley (8-8, 6-0) took over sole possession of first place in the Western Athletic Conference.
Ceres High (10-6-1, 6-1) dropped to second in the WAC standings.
“This group has kept the same energy no matter the results,” Bates said. “They’ve really bought into the process. They still know there’s a lot of work to be done.”
“We still have a chance for a co-championship,” Duran added. “We have to win out.
Hawk Brooklynn Steeley pitched a complete game against the Bulldogs.
She surrendered just one earned run and nine hits with two strikeouts and two walks in seven innings.
Steeley accounted for one of Central Valley’s five hits.
She singled and plated one run.
Reylena Herrera batted 2-for-3 with two doubles, one RBI and one run.
Selah Chesney batted 1-for-1 with one run.
Abigail Krauss batted 0-for-1 with one run.
Gabriela Delatorre batted 0-for-2 with one RBI.
Madelyn Morales doubled.
Bulldog pitcher Elizabeth Figueroa allowed three runs and five hits with five strikeouts and three walks in six innings.
Figueroa accounted for one of Ceres High’s nine hits.
She singled and knocked in one run.
Briona Bravo batted 1-for-4 with one double and two runs.
Bella Bravo batted 2-for-4 with one RBI.
Presley Vierra 2-for-3.
Sami Alcarez, Gabby Cole and Gabby Ortiz all singled.
The Hawks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
Herrera doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Delatorre’s sacrifice fly to right field.
Tied at 1-1, Central Valley tallied two runs in the third inning.
Krauss walked, moved to second on Chesney’s single and scored on Herrera’s double.
Chesney raced home from third on Steeley’s single to left field.
Ceres High cut the deficit to one run in the seventh inning.
“It was a fun, competitive game,” Bates said. “I knew it was going to be close. I was surprised it was that low-scoring. Both teams were hitting the ball very hard. They put pressure on us and luckily we held up.”
“There’s always going to be extra intensity when you’re going against CV,” Duran stated. “Each team wants to win the game. There’s talent at both schools. Bates has that program playing well.”
