The members of Ceres High's varsity softball program competed and vacationed together during spring break.
Bulldog players and coaches returned home from their week-long stay in Hawaii on April 4.
"We got so much closer because of the trip," Ceres High shortstop Nicole Bates said. "We were with each other 24-7. Our team chemistry has gone through the roof."
"It was special," Bulldogs catcher Mahlena O'Neal said. "My favorite part of the trip was going undefeated."
Bates, O'Neal and Ceres High teammates Mackenzie Veuve, Sabrina Baisdon, Jessica Arreola, Rayohna Sagapolu, Callie Nunes, Adryana Knights, Raimee Mendoza, Natalia Cortez, Andrea Duran and Shelby Veuve enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
They visited Pearl Harbor on March 29.
They hiked the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on March 31.
They spent time at the Polynesian Cultural Center on April 1.
They relaxed at Turtle Bay Resort on April 2.
"We did a lot of traveling," Ceres High head coach Angela Durossette said.
The Bulldogs won all three of their games.
Ceres High collected victories against Kalaheo (26-0) on April 1, Kalani (8-3) on March 30 and Castle (7-1) on March 29.
"Each team fed us after each game," Durossette said. "They do potlucks after every home game."
Durossette and her players started to prepare for the Hawaii trip at the conclusion of last season.
"When we brought the idea up to the girls over a year ago, they loved it," Durossette said. "It was a long process. It took a lot of work. We fundraised $27,000 and we have money left over. We budgeted really well. This was a great experience for all of the girls. It was worth every single penny."
Teammates at the varsity level since the ninth grade, Bates, O'Neal, Veuve, Baisdon and Arreola will go their separate ways following graduation.
"It's our last hurrah," said Nicole, who will continue her softball career at the University of Washington next spring. "We had so much fun. We'll never forget the trip."
"We were planning on doing a second Hawaii trip," Mahlena said. "I won't be able to make it because I have to leave to Georgia for school in the beginning of August."
