Manteca is proving it’s still the team to beat in the Valley Oak League.
The reigning Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champion took down one of its chief challengers in league Thursday with a dominant 8-1 victory over visiting Sierra.
“Proud of the hard work the Lady Buffs put in daily, and they are definitely seeing the payoff in their matches,” Manteca coach MaryAnn Tolbert said.
The Buffaloes (2-0 VOL, 4-1 overall) are surely rolling after dropping their first nonleague match of the season to Modesto Metro Conference power Gregori.
Sophomore standout Kaitlyn Rausa tallied the lone point for Sierra but was tested by Julia Tang in her 7-6 (5), 6-3 win in the No. 1 singles match. Tang is arguably the most improved player in the area after playing at No. 3 singles for the Buffs last year.
“Julia played a great match, and she is going to get another shot or two at her this season,” Tolbert said. “Julia is never content, so I look forward to watching her continue to push herself.”
Koryn Menasco dispatched Nadia Petrovic 6-2, 6-3 at No. 2 singles. Taylor Corona (6-3, 6-1), Makenna Condit (6-0, 6-2), Sahiba Kaur (6-4, 6-1) and Stephanie Mercado (6-1, 6-2) also swept their opponents.
Manteca’s superior depth showed in doubles action. Ravneet Dhillon and Navina Mann rolled to a 6-0, 6-0 shutout, Julianne Eavenson and Kaileah Johannson prevailed 6-1, 6-1 and Noeli Mercado and Melissa Poncini punctuated the big win, 6-1, 6-2.
Central Catholic 9,
Lathrop 0
The Raiders conquered the Spartans at Manteca Regional Tennis Center.
Lathrop No. 2 singles player Tala Alkhatib dropped a 2-6, 3-6 decision to Suzanne Manseau in one of the more competitive matches. Darlene Hoang threatened to extend the No. 4 singles match but fell short 1-6, 4-6 against Christina Miller.
No. 1 doubles partners Erica Garlit and Leslie Barraza fell, 2-6, 3-6 against Mary Lehman and Maya Armendariz.
Kimball 9, Weston Ranch 0
STOCKTON — It was a far more competitive contest than the final outcome, as Weston Ranch dropped three three-set matches.
Kimball No. 4 Tiffany Nguyen held off Justice Stitt, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Weston Ranch No. 6 Angelee Rivera ran out of steam against Keeksha Shakya, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 1-6 after a hard-fought second set. At No. 3 doubles, Lissette Loera and Chandi Singh fell short in their marathon match with Hannah Le and Marisol Flores, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (6).
