Sierra struggles in league opener

OAKDALE – The Sierra Timberwolves knew they were fighting an uphill battle, but they had no idea their Valley Oak League opener would end with a 51-21 and a 64-9 loss to Ceres and Oakdale highs Wednesday.

Sierra squeaks out of Ceres with win

CERES – Sierra High trailed the Ceres Bulldogs by four heading into the intermission, but a blistering hot third quarter provided the Timberwolves with all the separation they would need in their 59-53 win over the host Bulldogs.

BUFFALOES ROLL WITHOUT KIWI

Manteca High's defending Valley Oak League champion boys basketball team began its title defense against visiting Oakdale Tuesday and had little trouble in dispatching the overmatched Mustangs, 55-42.

Lancers crush Ceres in opener

If there was a perfect way for the three-time defending Valley Oak League champions to tip off their regular season, the Ceres Bulldogs would likely say they witnessed that performance in the East Union Lancers' 52-29 win.

Ratto’s 23, McCreath’s defense lift Ripon past Linden

RIPON - Despite holding a five-point lead at halftime, Ripon High watched its lead over Linden dwindle down to a single point midway through the third quarter.

T’Wolves start league with second win over ’Cats

It was not the Sierra Timberwolves' best effort, but it was good enough to push them to a 1-0 mark in Valley Oak League play with a 47-36 home win over the Sonora Wildcats.

Navarro’s defense keys Manteca win over Mustangs

OAKDALE - The Manteca Buffaloes held a slim 24-17 halftime lead and never relinquished it during a 45-34 Valley Oak League opening win over the Oakdale Mustangs Tuesday.

Sophomore T’Wolves hold on for victory

Joseph Berry led three scorers in double figures with 14 points, and the Sierra High sophomore boys basketball team repelled the relentless Sonora Wildcats for a 48-47 home win to open the Valley Oak League season.

Gardner’s future uncertain

Manteca High junior Kiwi Gardner could miss a handful of games or forfeit the rest of his athletic eligibility depending on Sac-Joaquin Section sanctions. He will likely not play in tonight's Valley Oak League opener with visiting Oakdale.

MANTECA BEGINS VOL TITLE DEFENSE

Manteca High's boys basketball team opens Valley Oak League play tonight against visiting Oakdale with a pedestrian 7-4 preseason mark, but do not be deceived into believing the Buffaloes are an average squad.

ANYBODY’S GAME

Entering a season with at least a portion of the past three Valley Oak League championships, and four of the past five, would usually make the defending champs the odds-on-favorite to close the season with another one. But the dominance the East Union Lancers have held over their VOL counterparts will hold little merit as the league season gets underway Tuesday for the nine VOL girls basketball programs.

Demolition Day

DECADE OF DOMINATION

The perception around these parts is that Manteca rules the high school football scene, Sierra reigns in soccer and the softball crown rests on the heads of the Lancers of East Union.

Current, former Lancers rule top stories of year

History was made. Dreams were realized. Others were crushed. The first decade of the 21st century ended with a bang in the world of sports here in the Manteca area and for Manteca-area natives that have moved on to great things - one being Scott Brooks, the head coach of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. The East Union High legend tops the Bulletin's top-10 stories of 2009 in Manteca and beyond. Brooks is the first ...

Nuanez, Sierra shine in final tune-up for VOL

WALNUT CREEK - Sierra High's wrestling team brought just 11 athletes to the Bill Martell Tournament Wednesday, but that was enough for it to leave its mark in its final tune-up for the Valley Oak League season.

Dynamic duo shoots for repeat

Bryan Ramos is humble but relentless, a goal-thirsty striker who won't give up on a play, a run or a teammate.

Title in reach for Manteca tennis

The Manteca High girls tennis team is a win away from repeating as Valley Oak League champion.

AT YOUR SERVICE

LATHROP - After two back-and-forth games Monday night visiting Manteca dished out eight aces down the stretch to pull away from Lathrop and post a 25-21, 25-17, 25-11 sweep in Valley Oak League volleyball action.

Ripon down two goals early but win

Ripon High's boys soccer team is on a roll, but the wins have not come easily of late.

East Union one win from perfect finish

Brooke Riley and the East Union girls golf team is rounding into postseason form in the final week of Valley Oak League play.