Central Valley’s two-time defending Western Athletic Conference-champion girls tennis team played host to youth-laden Ceres High last week.

The Hawks continued their run of dominance versus the Bulldogs with a 9-0 victory on Sept. 28.

Central Valley has won 16 of its last 17 matches against Ceres High dating back to the 2014 season.

“Our girls are pretty easy going,” Hawks’ assistant coach Mike Rodriguez said. “They don’t talk about it (the rivalry). They treat every match the same.”

“I didn’t have any expectations,” Bulldogs’ head coach Jesse Apodaca stated. “Central Valley and Beyer are the two toughest teams (in the Western Athletic Conference). Ninety-five percent of our girls are new to tennis. They haven’t been in a competitive environment.”

The Hawks compiled a 6-1 record during the first half of the WAC season.

The Bulldogs posted an 0-7 record.

“It would make my year if we got a win,” Apodaca said.

Central Valley swept all six singles and three doubles matches while shutting out Ceres High.

“I thought our girls played solid,” Rodriguez said.

Hawk Emily Carranza prevailed by forfeit versus the Bulldogs in No. 1 singles play.

Serath Birring defeated Helena Trujillo 6-0, 6-1 in No. 2 singles play.

Valerie Espinoza defeated Xaimara Corona Mejia 6-2, 6-0 in No. 3 singles play.

Natalia Campos defeated Cazandra Fregoso 6-1, 6-0 in No. 4 singles play.

Yahiza Bustos defeated Marixbel Castro 6-1, 6-0 in No. 5 singles play.

Samantha Sarabia Zavala defeated Dayana Gallo 6-0, 6-0 in No. 6 singles play.

Aaralyn Jauregui and Lauren Salvatera defeated Giselle Valdez Moreno and Amy Gonzalez 6-2, 6-0 in No. 1 doubles play.

Lizeth Tafolla and Isabella Michelena defeated Michelle Salas and Kiara Gutierrez 6-2, 6-1 in No. 2 doubles play.

Victoria Jaime Dominguez and Karla Robles defeated Briseyda Erenas Rios and Marisol Gomez 4-6, 6-4, 10-6 in No. 3 doubles play.

Apodaca was hired as a walk-on coach to rebuild Ceres High’s girls tennis program in 2025.

The Bulldogs have had four different leaders since 2018.

“I know my methods work,” Apodaca said. “The biggest thing is effort. Effort comes from being competitive. I’ve seen people change. But you have to have the right mentality. I’m holding out hope.”

Apodaca is coaching an inexperienced team for the second year in a row.

Ceres High returned just two players from a season ago.

“He’s doing a great job,” Rodriguez said. “If he keeps the group together, they’re going to be really good.”