Ceres High’s varsity girls basketball team was beaten by Lathrop and Mountain House in Western Athletic Conference play last week.

Ceres High lost 61-21 at Lathrop on Thursday.

The sixth-place Bulldogs (6-13, 2-6) compiled a 2-0 record versus the first-place Spartans (15-5, 8-0) this season. Lathrop routed Ceres High 66-35 on Dec. 11.

“We went into the game prepared to lose because they killed us the first time,” Bulldogs’ senior standout Camryn Silva said. “We should have had a different mindset. We should have been focused on winning.” 

Silva tallied nine points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal in defeat.

Sophomore Catryna Marquez chipped in with eight points, nine rebounds and one steal.

Senior Courtney Ford had two points, five rebounds and one assist.

Freshman Celeste Leon had two points and two steals.

Sophomore Lysaida Munoz grabbed five rebounds.

The Bulldogs fell behind 14-4 in the first quarter and trailed 32-9 at halftime.

“They’re a very strong team,” Silva said. “They have a lot of talented players. They know how to work together well.”

Ceres High suffered a 68-44 loss at Mountain House on Jan. 15.

 “We couldn’t keep them off the free-throw line,” Silva said. “That’s what killed us.”

The fifth-place Mustangs (9-13, 4-4) took control after Bulldog freshman guard Mia Rodriguez exited the game with a concussion during the second half. Rodriguez hit her head on the court.

“It gave our team a scare,” Silva said. “We were all worried about her.”

Rodriguez led Ceres High in scoring with 15 points. She made three treys. She also collected four rebounds and one assist.

Silva had 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Munoz had 10 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Marquez had four points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.

Leon had two points, four assists, four steals and two rebounds.

The Bulldogs shot just 35 percent (9 of 26) from the foul line against the Mustangs

Ceres High trailed by just eight points, 34-26, at the break.

The Spartans outscored the Bulldogs 34-18 after intermission.

Ceres High could have used Rodriguez’s help.

“She’s definitely one of our top players,” Silva said. “It (not having her in the game) changed the way we played. We were slower. I definitely think we can beat Mountain House the next time we play. We just need to not foul as much.” 

Ceres High, which has already surpassed last year’s win total of five, will look to add to its victory total.

The Bulldogs had six games left on their schedule as of Monday.

“I’m proud of my team,” Silva said. “We’ve worked hard this season. This is the most fun I’ve had playing basketball. We all have each other’s back, including the coach. I think we can finish strong.”

Ceres High will host Johansen tomorrow at 7:15 p.m.

The Vikings won the first meeting, 59-55, on Dec. 20.

“I believe we can win the game,” Silva said.