The Ceres Sizzle 14-and-under travel softball team exceeded head coach Misty Roton’s expectations by claiming the title at the NSA Think Pink Cancer Awareness Tournament earlier this month in Salida.

“This is our first time placing first in the Gold Bracket,” Roton said. “It’s a big accomplishment for our girls. Our hitting won us the tournament. We’ve been working on it a lot at practice.”

The six-team tournament was staged at two sites: Modesto Christian and Rainbow Fields.

Second-seeded Ceres amassed a 4-1 record.

The Sizzle defeated the top-seeded Raptors 11-3 for the championship on Oct. 14 at Modesto Christian.

Ceres avenged a one-run loss.

“Our girls were on fire that day,” said Roton, whose team scored five times in the momentum-seizing first inning. 

The Sizzle edged the DC Destroyers 6-5 in the semifinals.

Ceres won two of three games in pool play on Oct. 13 at Rainbow Fields.

The Sizzle topped the Wildfires (11-3) and Base Academy (16-2).

Ceres lost to the Raptors (7-6).

The Sizzle outscored their opponents, 50-20, at the Think Pink Cancer Awareness Tournament.

Emily Bare, Sammy Espinoza, Emery Franco, Larynne Holland, Gracie Kimbrough, Caitlyn Medeiros, Lacie Nycum, Isabella Pelayo, Kinzy Perkins, Julia Roton, Bethanie Thornberry and Desiree Torres all contributed.

“Every single girls’ batting average was above .500 for the tournament,” coach Roton said. “That was definitely a first. The work they put in at practice is paying off. In addition to regular practice, we have at least one batting practice each week.”

Sizzle 10s take second

The Ceres Sizzle 10-and-under travel softball team finished third overall while competing in the Gold Bracket of the NSA Think Pink Cancer Awareness Tournament earlier this month.

The 12-team event was held at Rainbow Fields and Modesto Christian.

Top-seeded Ceres posted a near-perfect 4-1 record.

The Sizzle outscored their five opponents, 48-20.

Amaia Ferrel, Peyton Shook and Nevaeh Scheper all contributed at pitcher.

Ceres lost 10-4 to the Fresno Dirtdogs in the finals on Oct. 14 at Modesto Christian.

The Sizzle edged the Easton Bullets 5-4 in extra innings earlier in the day.

Ceres won all three of its games during seeding play on Oct. 13 at Rainbow Fields.

The Sizzle collected victories against the Stockton Tigers (12-5), Tri-County Smash (12-0 and Merced Stingers (15-1).