LOS BANOS — Even with two key starters nursing ankle injuries, the Manteca High volleyball team had its way with Los Banos in a showdown between league champions on Monday.
Fourth-year setter Kaitlyn Morenzone was the Buffaloes’ kill leader, and they coasted past the two-time defending Western Athletic Conference titlist, 25-11, 25-13, 25-17.
Morenzone was one of five Manteca players to finish with at least five kills, tagging eight of her own to go with 18 assists, 13 digs and 11 service points. She turned an ankle during the Flock Tournament at Consumnes River College over the weekend. The Buffs (6-1 overall) went 3-1 there.
Also recovering from a sore ankle is outside hitter Payton Reis, who contributed six kills and five digs.
“Everybody played and contributed, so it was a solid night all the way around,” Manteca coach Kevin Bolding said. “For having people hurt we didn’t look bad. They’re a good team and are always at the top of their league and in the playoffs, we just did a real good job.”
Kacy Bolding collected seven kills 13 assists, 10 digs and seven points. Kaylee MacDannald (four kills, seven digs, eight points), Karlie Spohn (five kills, three blocks) and Julia Moreno (seven kills) played their part in the attack, while Abbey Kaddilak paced the defense with 31 digs.
The Buffaloes host Tokay and Bear Creek on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, before welcoming Oakdale on Sept. 4 to begin their Valley Oak League title defense.
East Union 3, Patterson 0
East Union handled visiting Patterson on Thursday 25-10, 25-14, 25-19 in non-league volleyball action.
Alexus Surnip dished out 28 assists for the Lancers (3-0). Savannah Lebarre (seven digs, five aces) and Kiana Day (two aces) hammered out 12 kills apiece.
Junior varsity
Manteca 2, Los Banos 0
LOS BANOS — Kaitlyn Gross anchored Manteca’s balanced attack in a 25-18, 25-18 that moved its nonleague record to 2-1.
Gross finished with seven kills and seven service points. Sydney Navarro served nine points and added four kills and nine assists. Kyaira Jacobs also pounded four kills while leading the defense with 10 digs.
