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Buffs knock off rust
Rare practice does Manteca good in win
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The Manteca High boys soccer team took full advantage of its first practice in nearly a week.

With his team struggling in the offensive third, head coach Justin Coenenberg used Tuesday’s training session to define roles and work on the Buffaloes’ movement near the goal.

The payoff was almost immediate.

Manteca scored the game’s first two goals en route to a 3-1 victory over Delhi on Wednesday evening.

Jareth Guzman, Marcus Montano and Aron Navarrette each found the back of the net for the Buffaloes, now 3-2-2 in the early going.

Manteca wraps up the non-league portion of its schedule today at Escalon and then opens Valley Oak League play on Monday at Oakdale.

Guzman and Montano scored unassisted goals to help the Buffaloes surge out to a 2-0 lead after 60 minutes.

Delhi pulled within one in the 70th minute, but Navarrette tacked on the insurance score just two minutes later. Jose Marin was credited with the assist.

Goalie Jose Zamarippa came on in the second half to secure the victory. Though he was beaten once, Zamarippa registered a crucial save on a penalty kick.

Eduardo Aguilar started for Manteca and recorded four saves. Coenenberg was blessed with the area’s top goalie last fall -- league MVP Abdiel Chaquito. This season, he seems content using both Aguilar and Zamarippa in between the pipes.

“They’re both playing well,” Coenenberg said.



Weston Ranch 1,
Modesto 1

After 11 road games to start the season, the Cougars return home just in time for the start of league play.

Weston Ranch will look to shake off Wednesday’s 1-1 draw tonight against Edison in its final non-league game.

Kickoff is 6:30 p.m.

Head coach Francisco Cisneros hopes the road-weary Cougars find their finishing touch for their home opener.

Weston Ranch (6-2-3) missed four first-half 1-on-1 opportunities on Wednesday against Modesto, settling for its third tie of the young season.

Kevin Medina tallied the Cougars’ only goal, a 25th-minute volley off a cross from Joseph Mayorca. The score knotted the game at 1s.

Goalies Eddie Acosta and Andy Martinez combined for eight saves.

“They had some chances,” Cisneros said of Modesto, which also drew with Manteca earlier in the week, “but nothing of real danger.

“We missed four 1-on-1s. It’s been our curse. We haven’t finished many chances.”



East Union 1, Turlock 1

In Turlock, Gerardo Romero’s late long-range shot helped the Lancers escape with a 1-1 draw against a large-school team.

Trailing 1-0 in the 70th minute, Romero beat the goalie with a 35-yard blast.

East Union now turns its sights on Valley Oak League play. The Lancers welcome newcomer Central Catholic on Monday evening for a 5:30 kickoff.

“I know it’s early, but I think we’re ready for the season. We played pretty good together today,” head coach Victor Polanco said. “Saturday, we played two games in Manteca and we were connecting on passes really well. We’re ready.”



GOLF

East Union 244,
Oakdale 301

The Lancers began their Valley Oak League title defense Wednesday with a resounding win at Manteca Park Golf course.

Reigning MVP Brooke Riley carded a 1-under 36 on the front nine. East Union had the top three finishers, as Rebecca Leonard and Allie Tajii each followed with a 46. Natalie Cowan and Tish Tajii finished with a 57 and 57, respectively.



Sierra 245,
Weston Ranch 371

Kayla Wilson was low medalist with a 43, as the Timberwolves (2-0) put together a solid score in their tune-up for today’s big match against East Union.

McKenna Doyle (46), Vanessa Rodriguez (47), Arlene Gavino (51) and Legacy Barnes (58) contributed to Sierra’s total score. Weston Ranch was paced by Jessica Fotheringham’s 60.



VOLLEYBALL

Sophomore

Sierra 2,
Mountain House 0

The Timberwolves were anchored by the serving of Vanessa Padilla and passing of setter Kiara Baleva in the 25-18, 25-18 victory.



Freshman

Mountain House 2,
Sierra 0

Sierra swept 25-20, 25-22 behind the strong play of Lindsey Walljasper at the net and Kourtney Riley (6 service points) .