The Ceres Sizzle 14-and-under travel softball team had a success-filled season during the summertime.

The Sizzle finished in first place at five consecutive tournaments.

“We built a reputation,” head coach Jeff Graham said. “We were the team to beat.”

“The girls put in the work and did extra stuff,” he added. “It’s made all the difference in the world.

Ceres closed out the 2025 campaign by claiming the title in the Gold Division of the NSA Labor Day Tournament, which was staged Aug. 30-31 at Modesto’s Rainbow Complex.

“We’re a tough team to beat when our pitching is on, we’re hitting well consistently, and playing good defense,” Graham said. 

The Sizzle compiled a perfect 5-0 record at its season-ending tournament.

Top-seeded Ceres won by forfeit against second-seeded Cali Crushers in the championship game on Aug. 31.

The Crushers were punished for using an ineligible player.

Ceres beat the third-seeded Hollister Aftershock 10-3 in the semifinals on Aug. 31.

Selene Valencia batted 1-for-2 with one double, three RBIs, one run and one stolen base.

Shelby Alves batted 2-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base.

Genevieve Armenta batted 1-for-2 with three runs and two stolen base.

Sydney Graham batted 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Marian Verdugo batted 1-for-1 with one double and one run.

Janessa McClure chipped in with one run and three stolen bases.

Journey Estrella collected one run and one stolen base.

Payton Graham drove in one run.

McClure and Savannah Vasquez both pitched.

McClure gave up one earned run and three hits with two strikeouts and no walks in two innings.

Vasquez allowed one earned run and two hits with one strikeout and one walk in 22/3 innings.

The Sizzle won all three of their games in pool play to secure the top seed.

Ceres bested the Omaha Tigers (16-2), Hollister Aftershock (15-0) and Santa Nella Nightmares (5-2) on Aug. 30.

“They girls don’t put a lot of pressure on themselves. When it counts, they turn it on. They play good ball.”

Alves, Armenta, Estrella, McClure, Valencia, Vasquez, Verdugo, Love Arballo, Payton Graham, Sydney Graham and Layla Lozano all contributed to the Sizzle’s success this summer.

Ceres compiled a 26-8-1 overall record.

The Sizzle placed in six of seven tournaments.

“We got a really, tight-knit group of parents and players. The girls get along so well. They have fun playing together. They pick each other up.”

The Sizzle took first five times and second once this year.

“We had a lot of personal growth. Ultimately, it helped the team.”

Ceres experienced success after failing to place during the opening weekend of the season.

“The main difference was hitting. The girls stepped up. We were more consistent all the way through our lineup. Everybody was a threat.”