After spending five years playing alongside each other, Bear River softball players Alyssa Reina and Stephanie Ceo committed to parting ways in the fall of 2012.

During a ceremony Thursday, Reina signed a national letter of intent to play softball at North Dakota State University, and Ceo signed on with Texas.

As much as the event was about where they are headed, it was also about what that have achieved together, which includes a Pioneer Valley League title and two Sac-Joaquin Section championships.

They were introduced with brief speeches by Bear River Athletic Director Duwaine Ganskie and softball coach Duane Zauner.

“There's not enough time to talk about what these guys have accomplished,” said Zauner. “It's a tribute to their hard work and dedication.”

Once the paperwork was signed, the girls shared a brief smile and a high five to the applause of their families and friends who were in attendance.

“I'm just really excited to get an opportunity like this,” said Ceo. “And I'm thankful to all the people that helped put me in this position.”

She is following closely in the footsteps of her sisters, Courtney, Britney and Natalie, who all found success playing for the Lady Bruins.

According to Stephanie, the bond she shares with Reina is also like that of a sister.

Reina has known the Ceos for a while, she said, and their time on the field has brought them all closer together.

Like Stephanie, Reina acknowledged the sacrifices of her family in earning a chance at competing at the collegiate level.

“They've given up so much and been behind me every step of the way,” she said. “To share this with my family and friends is amazing.”

Stephanie Ceo was voted most valuable player in the PVL for the 2011 season, and Reina, who holds Bear River records for career home runs and home runs in a season, made the All-League team.

And while both girls said they are looking forward to starting their college careers, there is still the matter of their senior seasons and a shot at a third section title, something Reina has not forgotten.

“This is going to be a good year. I know it,” she said. “And we're going to get that section title.”

NU's Virva signs with Las Vegas

All-American Nevada Union swimmer Dillon Virva signed a letter of intent Wednesday to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Virva began swimming competitively in the seventh grade at the age of 12 and has been on the varsity team at NU since his freshman year.

During his junior season, he set school records in the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly with times that also qualified him for All-American status.

He also competes as a member of the Penguin swim team and swam at the Junior Nationals earlier this year in Palo Alto.

Outside the pool, Virva is interested in pursuing biology at UNLV, which features a nationally recognized science and engineering department.

Las Vegas, the No. 19 swim program in the nation, sent nine swimmers to the NCAA championships in March. Among those was Virva's older brother, Kyle, an NU graduate who is currently in his final fall semester at Las Vegas.

To contact Sports Writer Anthony Barstow, e-mail abarstow@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4232.