The Ceres Sizzle-Prudhel eight-and-under travel softball team placed in three of four tournaments this season.

Ceres wrapped up its summer campaign with a second-place showing while competing in the 10-and-under bracket at the NSA World Series Warmup Tournament in Elk Grove.

“They completely blew away my expectations,” head coach Stephanie Prudhel said. “I just wanted them to have fun.”

The third-seeded Sizzle won two of five games at the NSA event.

“These aren’t rec ball teams,” Prudhel said. “It’s a higher-caliber of softball. I was kind of hesitant putting us in the tournament. It was completely amazing what the girls gave me. They put up a fight.”

The Sizzle lost 8-3 to the top-seeded Stockton Tigers in the finals on Sunday at Bartholomew Park.

Brooklyn Marquez doubled.

Reylena Herrera chipped in with two, extra-base hits.

“We fell short in the championship game but it was a great learning experience,” Prudhel said.  “I couldn’t be more proud.”

Ceres defeated the second-seeded Madera Legends 6-2 in the semifinals.

Addisyn Prudhel and Cyanna Costello led the way on offense with two hits apiece.

The Sizzle compiled a 1-2 record in pool play on Saturday.

Ceres opened the tournament with a 10-0 win over Dropzone-Purple. 

The Sizzle lost 12-0 to the Tigers and 4-2 to the Legends.

Costello, Prudhel, Daniell Barba and Paige Perry all logged playing time at pitcher.

“Playing up at the 10u level for the first time, our girls were nervous and it showed,” coach Prudhel said. “Our focus for Sunday was attitude and effort. Our offense woke up and it was contagious throughout the lineup.”

The Sizzle collected 13 wins and five losses on the year. 

“This team is comprised of girls from four different rec teams,” Stephanie Prudhel said. “My goal was to get them as much exposure to travel ball. We definitely had some girls that improved.”

Ceres captured titles in Ceres and Riverbank, and finished second in Elk Grove.

“The communication on the field was great,” coach Prudhel said. “The girls worked well together.”

Sizzle coaches and players will reunite in the near future. “We’re going to take a couple weeks off,” Stephanie Prudhel said. “Then we’re going to play in the fall.”