Ceres High’s varsity boys volleyball program secured a split against Western Athletic Conference competition last week.

The Bulldogs improved to 18-9 overall and locked up second place in the WAC standings (9-3).

Ceres High also earned its second postseason berth in its four-year history.

“I am so proud of my team and what we have accomplished so far,” head coach Darlene Tobler said. “We are in playoffs, which was our goal from the beginning of the season.  My team has worked so hard and it has taken each of them to get where we are today. We are looking forward to finishing out our season strong.”

Ceres High shut out visiting Mountain House 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-18) on Senior Night last Thursday at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

Upperclassmen Christian Murry and Ivan Arita were recognized before the match.

“They are the first ones to have been in the program for four years,” Tobler said. “They have been wonderful examples by leading our program with integrity, hard work and dedication.  Their love for this sport has shown in their commitment and drive.  I appreciate them and will truly miss them so much.”

Murry totaled 14 kills, 14 digs, five blocks and four aces versus Mountain House.

Arita chipped in with 12 digs, seven kills, four blocks and one assist.

Jacob Rodriguez had 28 assists, 15 digs, one block and one ace.

Victor Hurtado had nine digs, four aces, three kills and two assists.

Fernando Sosa had nine digs.

Aaron Delgado had six digs.

Verlis Smith had four blocks, three kills, two aces and one dig.

Sam Garcia had four digs, two kills, two blocks and two aces.

Ceres High lost 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-19) to first-place Lathrop on April 9.

The Spartans won all 10 of their conference matches this year.

Murry tallied 21 digs, 15 kills, five blocks, two assists and one ace in defeat.

Rodriguez had 21 assists, seven digs, three kills, two blocks and one ace.

Hurtado had 18 digs, 6 kills and one ace.

Sosa had eight kills and one kill.

Arita had six blocks, four digs and one ace.

Smith had six blocks, one kill, one assist and one kill.

Delgado had four digs and one ace.

Garcia had three kills and three blocks.