Ceres High’s Bella Curry and Central Valley’s Kayee Peterman suited up for the same team while competing at the Second Annual Stanislaus County Girls Volleyball All-Star Game this past month in Turlock.

The event showcased senior talent from more than 20 schools in the area.

Curry, Peterman and the South defeated the North 3-1 during the large-school match on Dec. 7 at Pitman High School.

“We won in four sets,” said Central Valley leader/South head coach Regina Selfridge. “It was incredible.”

“Both teams had a lot of talent,” Peterman stated. “We had a slight advantage because we bonded well together. We had a good connection. We all trusted each other on the court.”

“We were more energetic,” Curry added. “We had positive mindsets.”

Curry and Peterman teamed up during the second and fourth games of the all-star contest.

“Playing with Bella was really fun,” Peterman said. “We got along nice and had a good time.”

“It was pretty cool,” Curry said. “I got to know her more.”

For the second year in a row, Ceres High and Central Valley had at least one representative at the all-star event.

“It was really surprising,” Peterman said. “I didn’t think they’d pick someone from CV considering our season didn’t go too well. It was nice to get some recognition. It’s one of my favorite things I got to do in high school volleyball-wise.”

“It was an honor to be selected,” Curry said. “I had no clue they were doing this. My dad got the call and told me. I was really excited.”

Peterman was coached by Selfridge for the final time last month.

Peterman played for Selfridge for three years.

“She (Selfridge) works really hard,” Peterman said. “She puts in a lot of time and effort, probably more than the players. She really cares about her players. She pushes everyone as hard as she can for them to get better.”

Curry and Peterman were both standouts on their respective high school teams during the fall season.

Curry earned honorable-mention Western Athletic Conference recognition.

She ranked first on the team in kills and aces, and second in blocks and assists.

Curry’s growth as a player can be attributed to her dedication.

She suited up for the Lady Sharx club volleyball team during the offseason.

“I really did surprise myself,” Curry said. “I didn’t think I was capable of playing how I played. I was pushed a lot in a good way.”

Peterman led the Hawks in assists. 

Ceres High compiled a 2-12 record en route to a seventh-place finish in the WAC standings.

Winless Central Valley took last in the Central California Conference (0-12).

“It would have been nice to have some team success,” Peterman said. “I did have fun playing for CV.”