It took a team effort for the Buffaloes to overcome the mid-match loss of their top hitter and beat defending Valley Oak League champion Central Catholic last Thursday.

Todd, a second-year middle blocker on the varsity squad, was the emotional lynchpin, and she had the production to go with it. She led Manteca with 14 kills and six blocks, some of it coming during crucial moments in the thrilling fifth set.

The Buffaloes ended an eight-match skid against Central Catholic.

“Overall, the team just really put a lot of effort in beating CC,” Todd said. “I’d say our practice time has been really intentional with what we’re doing and what we want to achieve and accomplish, and I think that really came through and showed in that match against CC.”

Manteca dominated the opening set 25-15, but outside hitter Taimane Tu’uga sustained an ankle injury. The Buffs still managed to add to their lead by winning the second game, 25-22. Manteca hadn’t taken a set from Central Catholic in four years.

Then the visiting Raiders made things interesting, taking the next two, 25-19, 25-18.

That didn’t discourage Todd and the rest of the Buffaloes. Setter Riley Ward fed the hot-handed Todd early and often in the deciding set. Manteca led 3-2 on three kills from Todd, who later combined with Saniyah Anthony for a block and a 10-9 advantage.

Todd came up with another big defensive point, this time to keep Manteca in the fight. The Buffs trailed 16-15 when she denied CC’s Alyssa Thomas with a solo stuff.

Manteca jumped ahead one last time thanks to a Raiders’ hitting error. In the end, Ward set Anthony for the clincher.

“That was such an exciting moment,” Todd said. “We all wanted it so bad. It was a very surreal moment.”

It was an exhilarating way for the Buffs to end what was anticipated to be a challenging week of VOL play. It started with a breezy sweep of cross-town rival Sierra, which took Central Catholic to a fifth set in its league opener.

An All-VOL second-team selection a year ago, Todd has taken on a greater role on a team stacked with front-row veterans. On top of developing into a go-to hitter in clutch situation, she is often assigned to block the opposition’s best hitters.

“I think her confidence is definitely showing,” Manteca coach Robin Chandler said. “She’s one of the hardest working players I’ve had. She works really hard at practice and in the offseason. She is such a likable player — I don’t think there is anyone she doesn’t get along with on the team. She’s a great teammate, and her energy can be infectious, which is always helpful in volleyball.”

Manteca (3-0, 6-4 overall) has another big match coming up Thursday against visiting Mountain House.