Weston Ranch’s softball team is beginning to pick up its play, and just in time to make its push for a possible postseason berth.

The Cougars soundly defeated visiting Sonora 13-3 in a Valley Oak League makeup game Wednesday. Manteca visits today and is one of three teams Weston Ranch (3-6, 11-8-1) must leapfrog to capture one of three available Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoff spots.

“Everybody came into the game today and did their jobs — it was a total team effort,” Weston Ranch coach Janelle Bauer said. “We have some big momentum going into our game against Manteca.”

The Cougars gave their pitcher, Arianna Hernandez, a seven-run lead going into the third inning. All 12 of Weston Ranch’s players contributed hits and combined for 16.

Raileen Romo led the way with a 4-for-4 effort that included two RBIs. Mia Thurman was 2 for 2 and also drove in a pair of runs. Reianna Dominguez and Hernandez were each 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Trans-Valley League

Hilmar 8, Ripon 3

The host Indians (3-4, 12-6) kept pace with second-place Hilmar (5-2, 9-4-1) in the early going, trailing 3-2 after an inning of play.

That was before the Yellowjackets erupted for two in the third and three more in the fourth while rapping 16 total hits.

Ripon had no trouble getting base runners on, doling out 10 hits. Darian Vandermaaten, Taylor Vernon and Melanie Wilkerson were each 2 for 4, and Nicole Kaiser crushed a two-run homer.