The Merced Bears opened their girls basketball season with an awaited home-game matchup against the Ceres Bulldogs. The Bulldogs, already having won a game, came to Merced eager to improve their record. Meanwhile, the Bears were hoping to start the season off right after finishing third place last year in the CCC. There was plenty of anticipation and excitement in the air as Merced tipped off its regular season.
The Bears came out powerful right from the start. Averie Steverson scored 12 points in the first half with precise shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. She kept the team moving and gave them a boost early on. However, Ceres did not give up; Persia Rochell answered with some tough baskets and made sure her team stayed in the game. Even though Ceres fought hard, Merced moved the ball well, finding open players and making the most of any opportunities they were given. On defense, the Bears stayed focused, made it difficult for Ceres to get good shots, and grabbed important rebounds to limit second chances. By the end of the first half, Merced had built a 33–20 lead and seemed to have control as the teams headed into halftime.
Merced continued to build on their big first half in the third quarter, with Antonia Lejarde stepping up to contribute several key baskets. The Bears maintained strong ball movement and kept the pressure on both ends of the floor. With their quick defense forcing mistakes, the Bears were able to turn Ceres’ errors into scoring opportunities. That was the story of the third quarter. Despite the Bulldogs’ efforts to stay in the game, Merced’s focus and persistence kept them comfortably ahead. By the time the fourth quarter began, the Bears had extended their lead to 47–20. In the final quarter, the intensity stayed high as Merced continued to dominate. Ceres player Lilly Staggs managed a three-pointer with about six minutes left in the game, briefly cutting into the lead. However Merced quickly responded with a series of points from Aubrey Supinger. Despite the Bulldogs’ efforts to rally, Merced maintained control and closed out the game with a final score of 60–29.
After the game, Merced senior Reina Lopez reflected on what this win meant for the team and how they approached the night. “Our mindset was to have a strong defense and react with an even stronger offense,” she said, adding that the victory showed how well the group can work together and learn each other’s strengths. Lopez also shared her goals for her final season, saying she wants “to score on a consistent basis and minimize turnovers as much as possible to help my team.” Her perspective highlighted the team’s focus on growth and collaboration as they move deeper into the season.
With a strong start to the year, the Merced Bears proved they are a team to watch this year. Their balanced offense, tough defense, and ability to control the court helped them secure an impressive win over the Ceres Bulldogs. Both teams showed persistence and determination, but Merced’s consistent execution and strong defense ultimately showed the difference, securing them a victory to kick off their season. The Bears will look to build on this win as they prepare for their next game against the Orestimba Warriors, while Ceres will aim to defeat their next opponent, the Sierra Timberwolves.
- Photos by Grace Gallegos. ↩︎
