The Ceres Sizzle 10-and-under travel softball team enjoyed a successful start to the 2018 campaign.

Ceres placed first at the June 15-17 Riverbank Tournament.

The Sizzle compiled a perfect 4-0 record.

“For a lot of these girls, it was their first time winning a trophy,” head coach Nicole Ferrel said. I’m proud of them.”

Lizzie Figueroa starred at pitcher.

“Our pitcher did a great job,” Ferrel said. “It’s her first year playing 10u. She pitches so fast most of the girls can’t catch up to her. She’s so dominant.” 

Amaia Ferrel also contributed in the circle.

Maddie Schultz played catcher all four games.

The Sizzle outscored their opponents, 20-8.

Ceres beat the Modesto Fusion and Newman twice.

The Sizzle topped the Fusion 7-1 for the title.

“Every single girl contributed,” coach Ferrel said. “It was their first tournament of the season. They were excited. They wanted to show what they could do.”

The Sizzle roster consists of 11 players: Figueroa, Ferrel, Schultz, Kyleigh Robinson, Jolissa Guillory, Nevaeh Scheper, Ajiah Wright, Kayla Contreras, Illiana Saldana, Makaela Brown and Jocelyn Garza.

Ceres has three assistant coaches: Valaree Gonzalez, Alexis Flores and Jeff Wright.

Dima Ferrel is team manager.

Nicole Ferrel coached Lizzie, Amaia, Makaela, Jocelyn and Ajiah with the Sizzle 8s last summer.

“Only five of the girls on this year’s team are returners,” Nicole said. “Honestly, our goal for the Riverbank Tournament was to see how the girls played together. They gave me more than I expected from them. They impressed me.”

The Sizzle will be hosting a tournament, July 6-8, at Costa Fields.

A total of eight teams will compete in the Midsummer Classic.

“Our goal is to go to the championship game,” coach Ferrel said.