Weston Ranch had it in it the bag.

Or so the Cougars thought.

Visiting East Union, down two games to none, rallied back and forced a fifth game after barely pulling out the fourth. Momentum belonged to the Lancers as they took a 12-6 lead before holding match point at 14-9.

Or so they thought.

Weston Ranch had a little comeback magic of its own. Clarissa Gonzales served the final seven points of the match, and the Cougars completed their highlight win of the season in dramatic fashion, 25-20, 25-18, 20-25, 25-27, 16-14.

“Game 5 really showed our true character and how far we’ve come,” Weston Ranch coach Chris Bauer said. “Everything we talked about and worked on came together. The bench did a phenomenal job of keeping up the energy all night, which is something that we’ve struggled with.”

Victoria Gulley was the big presence at the net, leading all players with 23 kills and five solo blocks. Elisabeth Alexander added 17 kills and 12 digs for the Cougars (4-7 Valley Oak League, 8-8 overall). Setter Alex Marapao handed out 42 assists and also led the back row with 14 digs. Vanessa Contreras contributed 12 digs.

For East Union (5-5, 17-9-2), the loss makes it even more difficult for the Lancers to grab one of the three postseason berths. Third-place Kimball owns the head-to-head tiebreaking advantage after edging East Union in a five-game barnburner Monday, and the Lancers still have to face VOL powers Sonora and Oakdale.

Regina Dias had 13 kills and 19 digs to pace EU. Monica King rapped out eight kills, and Jami Arceo collected 18 digs.

East Union hosts crosstown rival Manteca tonight, while Weston Ranch next heads to Sierra on Monday.



Sonora 3, Lathrop 0

League-leading Sonora rolled to a 25-12, 25-4, 25-18 victory.

Loreal Taylor churned out five blocks for Lathrop.

The freshman Spartans corralled a benchmark road victory, 25-19, 13-25, 15-10.



Sophomore

East Union 2,
Weston Ranch 0

East Union improved to 9-1 VOL, 20-1 overall after cruising to a 25-10, 25-18 road victory.

Deja Guzman (25 digs, three kills) finished with six service points and helped the Lancers to an 8-1 advantage in Game 1.

Caitlyn Oberman had 11 service points and four aces. Mariah Jeffrey led EU in blocks. Alissa Burolla finished with 15 digs and Taylor Ward tallied 12.

Sabrina Rangel led Weston Ranch (6-5, 11-5) with 10 assists and three digs. Elysia Hernandez hammered six kills.



Freshman

East Union 2,
Weston Ranch 0

Weston Ranch (1-11, 4-15) competed well in the 21-25, 20-25 defeat behind Nichole Bigornia’s four aces and three assists.

Asia Stamps led the charge offensively with four kills. Aliyah Ryan tallied five digs, and Jaylene Tauga turned in two blocks.