The Ceres Sizzle 10-and-under travel softball team exacted revenge en route to claiming the Wounded Warrior Benefit Tournament title this past weekend.
"It's a very big accomplishment for them," coach Claudia Mendoza said. "They accomplished what they wanted. They exceeded our expectations. They've grown so much."
The Sizzle competed in seven tournaments this season.
Ceres placed first four times and second twice.
"We had a lot of talent on our team," Mendoza said. "It was awesome to watch them develop into great players. They're a fun group of girls to coach."
Second-seeded Ceres edged the top-seeded Westside Bullets 8-5 for the championship at the Wounded Warrior tournament on Sunday at Turlock's Pedretti Park.
"Everyone played well," Mendoza said.
The Sizzle advanced to the title game following their 6-1 international-tiebreaker win over the Hollister Blackjacks in the semifinals earlier in the day.
Ceres finished runner-up to the Blackjacks in Reno and Sonora.
Down 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Isa Vizcaino doubled and scored on Victoria Gudino's hit to center to send the game into extra innings.
The Sizzle scored five runs in the seventh inning.
Ceres made just one error during the game.
"The girls were excited," Mendoza said. "It was like winning the championship just getting past them. It was very intense and exciting. They're very good competitors."
Ceres compiled a 2-0-1 record in pool play on Saturday.
The Sizzle beat the Blackjacks (8-4) and Misfits (7-5).
Ceres tied Sanger (5-5).
The Sizzle 10s will reunite this fall.
"These girls play their hearts out every single game," Mendoza said. "They're very competitive. They don't give up. They're awesome and amazing. I couldn't be more proud of them."