Ceres High's varsity girls basketball program contributed to its own downfall in losing to Golden Valley and Central Catholic this past week.

"We could have beat both teams," Bulldogs head coach Aimee Gunzenhauser said. "Unfortunately, we didn't."

Ceres High missed 24 of 37 free throws during its 48-34 non-conference loss to visiting Golden Valley on Thursday evening at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

"That killed us," Gunzenhauser said. "If we would have made half of them, we probably would have won."

Bulldog Camryn Silva collected 12 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one assist versus the the Cougars.

Harmen Bahia added six points, seven rebounds and one assist.

Chrystal Perales had six points, three rebounds and two steals.

Angelina Ursua had four points, two rebounds and one assist.

Jacquelyn Pulido had two points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Mya Robinson had two points and two rebounds.

Branda Villalpando had two points.

The two teams combined to shoot 65 foul shots.

The Cougars made 13 of 28.

"It made the game really long," Gunzenhauser said.

Golden Valley outscored Ceres High 27-15 during the second half.

"Our defense wasn't really there," Gunzenhauser said.

Host Ceres High lost 46-34 to Central Catholic on Dec. 18.

"If we would have had better shooting, it would have been a much different game," Gunzenhauser said. "We didn't finish offensively. I know they can play a lot better. I'm waiting for them to break out of their shell."

Silva led the Bulldogs with 12 points, eight rebounds and four steals.

Bahia had nine points and four rebounds.

Ursua had eight points, four rebounds and three assists.

Pulido had two points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.

Perales had two points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Robinson had one point, two rebounds and one steal.

Ceres High dropped to 2-9 on the year.

The Bulldogs will compete at the Pitman Tournament this week.

Ceres High will face Hughson today, Sonora on Thursday and Grace Davis on Friday.

"We definitely have a lot of room for improvement," Gunzenhauser said. "It's mostly the mental game."