Randy Cerny has seen his share of talented players during the seven years he's served as Ceres High's varsity girls soccer coach.
"Cynthia Gonzalez is in the top three," he said. "No doubt about it."
Gonzalez was named to the 2008 Valley Oak League First Team on May 3 as voted on by the conference's coaches at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Oakdale.
Cynthia starred at sweeper as the Bulldogs compiled an 11-13 overall record and finished in sixth place in league at 5-9.
"She was elected for her defense," Cerny said. "She's been a starter since her freshman year. She was selected all-league all four years. She's been our team captain for the last two years. She's a tenacious player on the field. She's got all the skills. She's a great competitor."
Gonzalez plans to play at Modesto Junior College this fall.
"It wouldn't surprise me if she was to go on after MJC," Cerny said. "She's a natural athlete. She has good coordination and speed. She's fearless. And she has a good head for soccer."
Teammates Caitlin Cerny, Erica Olide, Lizzy Flores and Marisela Torres also garnered recognition for their outstanding play.
"They deserved it," Randy said.
Caitlin and Erica were named to the VOL second team.
Cerny, a senior striker, led the Bulldogs in scoring with nine goals and five assists.
"She played hurt the last six games of the season," Randy said.
Olide, a junior midfielder, was one of Ceres High's most consistent players.
"She was always pretty strong at her position," Cerny said. "And she played every single game."
Erica put back her own missed penalty kick in a 3-1 loss to nationally-ranked Sonora in conference play at Bulldog Stadium.
Olide slotted a shot past goalkeeper Rebekah Garvin, who led the Wildcats to their third straight Sac-Joaquin Section and VOL championships this past season.
"That was only one of three goals scored on that goalie the whole season," Cerny said.
Flores, a senior offensive midfielder, and Torres, a senior stopper, received honorable-mention accolades.
Central Valley High School's Maricarmen Burgos (second team), Alyssa Meshach (second team), Alejandra Murillo (second team) and Simi Talawan (honorable mention) were rewarded too.
The Hawks finished in seventh-place in the VOL standings (3-11).
Top Dawgs
Coach Randy Cerny presented awards to Cynthia Gonzalez, Marisela Torres, Nichole Fitch and Morgan Welsh during Ceres High's year-end banquet on Tuesday, May 20 at the student center.
Gonzalez and Torres shared the Most Valuable Player award.
"We just thought it would be nice to recognize them because they played well together," Cerny said. "They're also great friends."
Marisela shined at stopper on defense.
"She never came off the field," Cerny said. "She has a huge heart and a love for the game."
Fitch, a sophomore, received the Coach's award. The first-year goalkeeper posted seven shutouts.
"She really improved over the course of the season," Cerny said.
Junior outside right midfielder Morgan Welsh won the Most Improved Player award.
"She played herself into a starting position this year," Cerny said.
"Cynthia Gonzalez is in the top three," he said. "No doubt about it."
Gonzalez was named to the 2008 Valley Oak League First Team on May 3 as voted on by the conference's coaches at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Oakdale.
Cynthia starred at sweeper as the Bulldogs compiled an 11-13 overall record and finished in sixth place in league at 5-9.
"She was elected for her defense," Cerny said. "She's been a starter since her freshman year. She was selected all-league all four years. She's been our team captain for the last two years. She's a tenacious player on the field. She's got all the skills. She's a great competitor."
Gonzalez plans to play at Modesto Junior College this fall.
"It wouldn't surprise me if she was to go on after MJC," Cerny said. "She's a natural athlete. She has good coordination and speed. She's fearless. And she has a good head for soccer."
Teammates Caitlin Cerny, Erica Olide, Lizzy Flores and Marisela Torres also garnered recognition for their outstanding play.
"They deserved it," Randy said.
Caitlin and Erica were named to the VOL second team.
Cerny, a senior striker, led the Bulldogs in scoring with nine goals and five assists.
"She played hurt the last six games of the season," Randy said.
Olide, a junior midfielder, was one of Ceres High's most consistent players.
"She was always pretty strong at her position," Cerny said. "And she played every single game."
Erica put back her own missed penalty kick in a 3-1 loss to nationally-ranked Sonora in conference play at Bulldog Stadium.
Olide slotted a shot past goalkeeper Rebekah Garvin, who led the Wildcats to their third straight Sac-Joaquin Section and VOL championships this past season.
"That was only one of three goals scored on that goalie the whole season," Cerny said.
Flores, a senior offensive midfielder, and Torres, a senior stopper, received honorable-mention accolades.
Central Valley High School's Maricarmen Burgos (second team), Alyssa Meshach (second team), Alejandra Murillo (second team) and Simi Talawan (honorable mention) were rewarded too.
The Hawks finished in seventh-place in the VOL standings (3-11).
Top Dawgs
Coach Randy Cerny presented awards to Cynthia Gonzalez, Marisela Torres, Nichole Fitch and Morgan Welsh during Ceres High's year-end banquet on Tuesday, May 20 at the student center.
Gonzalez and Torres shared the Most Valuable Player award.
"We just thought it would be nice to recognize them because they played well together," Cerny said. "They're also great friends."
Marisela shined at stopper on defense.
"She never came off the field," Cerny said. "She has a huge heart and a love for the game."
Fitch, a sophomore, received the Coach's award. The first-year goalkeeper posted seven shutouts.
"She really improved over the course of the season," Cerny said.
Junior outside right midfielder Morgan Welsh won the Most Improved Player award.
"She played herself into a starting position this year," Cerny said.
