The 2025 Division III Champions show off their sparkling championship rings.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The conference room at Gridley High School was packed last Friday, Jan. 5 as the 2025 Gridley High School Girls Softball team gathered to receive something they have been patiently waiting for.

Earlier in the year, the Gridley High School Softball distinguished themselves as the Northern Section CIF Division III Champions after beating out the Lassen Grizzlies in a comeback win. Gridley was down but would rally against the Grizzlies for the 9-7 win on May 24, 2025.

According to MaxPreps statistics, Gridley High School Softballs Championship title was the first in the division in over 30 years.

Gridley High School Principal Rikki Lee Burresch, who’s daughter was on the winning team last year, admires the impressive size of the rings as members of the team are awarded their personal piece of jewelry

Gridley High School Principal Rikki Lee Burresh and head Softball Coach Tammy Carr both confirmed that records dating back to the 1980’s had been reviewed and that to their knowledge, this was the first time the softball team had won a Division Championship.

Coach Carr spoke to ladies as she presented them with their rings, thanking them for their hard work and congratulating them again on the distinguished title, a new record for Gridley High School.

Nearly a year later, the ladies finally received their glittering rewards.

Carr told the Gridley Herald that the team chose the larger sized championship rings featuring a large G in the center and the saying “It’s a good day to be a Bulldog.” The coaching staff, including Assistant Coaches Amber Mendendall, Cody Cloyd and Tera Tuttle, chose a smaller version of the ring.

Alina Jackson Smiles as she holds up her Division III Championship ring, months after the victory.

Of course, some of the seniors that played last season were not in attendance to receive their rings, such as graduates Charlee Sormano, Payton Burresch and Reese Stevens.

Since completing the 2025 spring softball season, three of this year’s seniors have committed to college teams.

Senior Avery Mendenhall has committed to play softball at the college level for the Butte College Roadrunners, Alexis Alcantar has committed to Yuba College Softball and Alina Jackson will also be joining the Butte College Roadrunners for the 2026 season.

Principal Burresch thanked the girls for their commitment to their sport and for the new record that they have set for Gridley High.

Players were ecstatic as they pulled the championship rings from velvet boxes and eyed their hard-won jewels, reminiscing about the win.

“It was a great accomplishment and nice to see all the work that we put in during the year get us to that point,” said Avery Mendenhall, “Everyone worked together as a team to come back from 7-0 in the Championship game!”

After an exemplary performance last season, Gridley High School Softball permanently leaves their mark in Gridley history.

Gridley Girls Softball Division III Champions (2024-2025) Are: Ava Campos, Reese Stevens, Delanie Cloyd, Tati Rivero, Alexis Alcantar, Alina Jackson, Rebecca Solis, Kaydenze Pruitt, Charlee Sormano, Chevie Crislip, Payton Burresch, Val Poyner, Elisa Bensing and Avery Mendenhall.