Ceres High School's varsity girls soccer team knocked crosstown-rival Central Valley out of playoff contention on Senior Day last week.

The Bulldogs scored an upset by tying the visiting Hawks 1-1 in Western Athletic Conference play on Thursday.

Central Valley defeated Ceres High 1-0 on March 26.

"I didn't talk about it (the importance of the game)," Bulldogs head coach Javier Mercado said. "I'm concerned with my team. I just wanted them to play their best. They were motivated."

Fabiana Soto scored a goal in her final game for the fifth-place Bulldogs (3-8-1).

Senior goalie Dayana Delgado made 10 saves.

Sophomore Angelica Slater and freshman Karina Torrez were major contributors on defense.

"Their keeper played great," Hawks head coach Cyndi Meshach said.

Rocio Beltran tallied the equalizer for the fourth-place Hawks (5-4-2).

Vivian Valadez collected the assist.

Goalie Alex Covarrubias had one save.

Ceres High grabbed a 1-0 lead midway through the opening half.

Soto scored off a failed clearance by Covarrubias.

Beltran and Valadez helped the Hawks salvage a tie with the Bulldogs.

Vivian set up Rocio with less than 10 minutes to play in the game.

"We were so close to winning it," Mercado said. "The tie is a fair result. Our whole defense played outstanding. I knew it was going to be a close game."

Soto, Delgado, Ruby Alberto, Laura Barajas and Jordan Cervantes, Ceres High's five seniors, were recognized before the crosstown showdown.

"I'll get emotional at the team banquet," Mercado said.

The Hawks had their postseason hopes dashed late in the year.

Ceres High last participated in the playoffs in the 1990s.

"I'm very disappointed in our season," Mercado said. "We should have done better."