East Union’s girls basketball team is two wins away from a four-peat in the Golden Valley Tournament.

The reigning champion prevailed 45-41 in the opener Thursday while handing Merced its first loss of the season.

Shebra Rezaye poured in 16 points for the Lancers (3-1), while Ava Barrera had 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jerney Luckett pitched in with seven points and nine boards. Zyondupree Beasley was limited to three points but pitched in eight rebounds.

Samantha Barragan paced Merced (3-1) with 13 points.

East Union takes on Valley Oak League rival Oakdale today in the semifinals.

Oakdale 46, Ripon 44

Ripon (2-2) lost to the unbeaten Mustangs for the second time in eight days, with the rematch taking place at the Golden Valley Tournament.

It was a heartbreaker for the Indians, who led 16-0 after the first quarter. Oakdale quickly made a game of it and trailed 21-16 at halftime.

Savannah Richardson spearheaded Ripon with 13 points, hitting four 3s. She also had four steals. Scarlett Ponce pitched in 10 points, five assists and three rebounds.

Keira Kirkpatrick and Natalie Powell scored 13 points each to lead Oakdale. Powell registered eight of her team’s 16 points in the fourth period.

Ripon faces Merced at 3:30 p.m. in the consolation semifinals.

Lathrop 60, Downey 19

At the Los Banos Tournament, Lathrop (4-0) held the Knights (3-4) to single digits in every quarter while getting balanced production on offense.

The Spartans had nine scoring contributors and were led by freshmen Jaylan Seabron and Breanna Wiseman, who scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Shakara Porter added 11 points, while Audrina Fisher and Maddy Nungary chipped in seven apiece.

Lathrop takes on Patterson in the semifinals tonight at 7.

Mariposa 33, Ripon Christian 31

Rhian Heuvel and Haley Kootstra scored 11 points apiece for Ripon Christian (1-2). Mariposa moved to 3-0.

Freshman

Lathrop 45, Los Banos 0

The Spartans dominated on both ends of the floor, coming up with 19 steals.

Ryleigh Race racked up 16 points, nine rebounds and five steals. Alexia Garcia contributed 10 points, and Ariyanna Miller had nine.