The Buffaloes sophomore outside hitter was in top form last week in two important Valley Oak League matches against rival schools.

Gomez produced from the net to the service line in both contests won by Manteca, which remains in first place in the VOL at 4-0 while shooting up the Sac-Joaquin Section top 10, according to MaxPreps rankings.

“Jesus has really come into his own,” Manteca coach Jennifer Reis said. “He has been quite a force for us as an outside hitter. Against Sierra down the stretch, he definitely had some of the biggest hits in crunch time. He also plays all the way around, so in the back row we rely on him a lot for passing and defense.”

On Tuesday, March 25, he tallied 12 kills in 26 attacks for a 46.2% kill rate, two aces in 17 serve attempts and 11 digs, as the Buffs took care of East Union across town, 25-13, 25-21, 25-15.

Two days later, Manteca hosted Sierra for a duel between the reigning co-champions. The Buffaloes held on for the 25-16, 25-23, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12 victory.

Gomes led all players with 15 kills (40.5%) to go with 16 digs and three aces in 32 serve attempts. He spearheaded a late surge with three straight kills to help the Buffs get separation in the final set.

The two wins moved Manteca’s overall record to 12-2. The Buffaloes also jumped to No. 6 in the SJS ahead of their non-league matchup with No. 9 Weston Ranch.

For the season, Gomez leads the Buffaloes with 126 kills and has the second most digs with 120.