With the sun beating down and all matches complete but one, East Union’s Tyler Ward battled back from a 6-5 deficit in the second set to win the tiebreaker and go on to claim a thrilling 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 win over Chris Legaspi Tuesday at Weston Ranch.

Ward’s win was the victory necessary to lead the Lancers to their first Valley Oak League win of the season, 3-2.

“Tyler gutted it out,” EU head coach Ron Bylow said. “The kids were pumped. Tyler did a great job.”

Steve Shepherd picked up a 6-3, 6-3 win over Vincent Legaspi and in doubles play, Chris Garcia and Matt Eichsteadt beat Russell Espiritu and Rocky Langas, 6-3, 6-1.

“Steve has been really consistent for us lately,” Bylow said. “So have Chris and Matt, they’ve won quite a few for us lately. Sean (Hilscher) battled as well.”

Hilscher dropped a close one, 6-2, 7-5 to Satinder Singh.

Marcos Aleman and Ariel Rossette fell to Mike Tongpolad and Steven Ho, 6-4, 6-3.

East Union hosts Central Valley Thursday.

With a huge road match against Ceres looming Thursday, the Buffaloes took care of business easily at home Tuesday.

Yassen Aniss won 6-2, 6-2, Marc Leon won 6-4, 6-2, and Alex McAdams won 6-2, 6-3.

In doubles play, Arnie Morales and Alex Barragan breezed to a 6-0, 6-2 win, while Xavier Lopez and Max Angelo were challenged but victorious, 6-2, 7-5.

“It was a very workman-like performance,” Buffs head coach Frank Fontana said. “A nice, solid day.

“We’re ready for Thursday.”

The day belonged to Doug Marks Tuesday in Ceres, as the T’Wolves’ No. 2 picked up the lone win, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, over Wilson Lang.

Kevin Rausa fell to Luis Ochoa, 0-6, 1-6.

Forrest Tolman lost 5-7, 2-6.

In doubles play, Daniel Prieto lost 1-6, 3-6, while John Alan Hewitt and Alex Phonpradith lost 2-6, 0-6.

Sierra hosts Oakdale Thursday.