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CV volleyball girls spoil Ceres bid for perfection
Bulldogs still finish first in league standings
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Megan McElroy and Central Valleys junior-varsity girls volleyball team closed out the regular season with a 25-9, 25-18 victory against crosstown-rival Ceres High on Oct. 26. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Central Valley's junior-varsity girls volleyball team dealt crosstown-rival Ceres High its first loss in Western Athletic Conference play on the final day of the season.

The Hawks posted a 2-0 (25-9, 25-18) victory over the visiting Bulldogs on Oct. 26.

"It was a tough loss," Ceres High head coach Meliesa Stiles said. "My team let their nerves get the best of them. They did not play to their full potential. I am still very proud of my girls and it was a great year. In my eyes, we had a perfect season."

Ceres High posted a 16-3 overall record and placed first in the Western Athletic Conference (14-1).

Central Valley (10-5) finished third in the WAC standings.

"I'm happy with how the season played out," Hawks head coach Chelsie Alves said. "But we could have done better. In my honest opinion, we should have taken first place."

Saveena Foletta filled a major role in propelling Central Valley past Ceres High.

"She was consistent in every position this year," Alves said. "She was a leader on the court. She did what a good team captain should do."

Yanelli Rodriguez led the Bulldogs with 16 digs and one kill.

Mya Robinson collected eight digs and one kill.

Samantha Carvajal had five digs.

Siriana Gudino added three kills and two blocks.

Central Valley lost 2-0 and 2-1 to Ceres High earlier this season.

"We finally played to our potential," Alves said. "My girls were pumped. They had a fire under their butts. They wanted to win. They weren't playing lazy. The first two matches, they weren't competing like they cared to beat Ceres."

The Bulldogs tasted defeated just three on the year.

Ceres High won its first 14 conference matches.

"I had a group of girls that excelled in school, always gave 100 percent, got along, encouraged each other and cheered each other on, on and off the court," Stiles said. "What else could a coach ask for? I am going to miss them and I am sad the season is over."