The members of Ceres High’s varsity girls volleyball team had extra motivation heading into last week’s non-conference match up with crosstown-rival Central Valley.

Kelly Heese, first-year lead of the Bulldogs, coached the Hawks for four seasons (2013-16).

“We wanted to win for her and ourselves,” Ceres High senior Vianney Perez said. 

The host Bulldogs prevailed 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-23) while battling the Hawks Thursday evening at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

“God closed one door and opened another one,” said Heese, whose first career victory at Ceres High came against her former team. “I’ve been dealt a good hand.”

“She’s a great coach,” Perez added. “She really pushes us to do our best.”

Perez collected 29 digs and three kills versus the Hawks.

Allison Stiles added 17 assists, 14 digs, three kills and one ace.

Mya Robinson had 11 kills and four digs.

Cheralyn Durossette had nine digs, three kills and three aces.

Bella Curry had five digs, two assists, one kill and one ace.

“It always feels good beating Central Valley,” Perez said. 

“I was expecting it to go five games because of the rivalry,” Heese said. “The girls worked really hard tonight. It was a great match.”

“It’s bittersweet,” Central Valley upperclassman Anysia Lopez said. “It’s sad losing because it’s my senior year. I had fun playing against some of my friends.”

The Bulldogs thrilled their home fans with a shutout victory over the Hawks.

“The school spirit here is huge,” Heese said. “It’s nice to have support from other students. It makes us want to work harder.”