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East Union, Manteca tennis win VOL openers
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It took less than an hour for Manteca to get its first official match out of the way Friday.

The Buffaloes started Valley Oak League action with a one-sided 9-0 win over visiting Weston Ranch. Three singles matches quickly ended with 6-0, 6-0 scores.

“It was a solid start to the VOL season,” Manteca coach Frank Fontana said. “You never know what to expect in the opening match. We have guys who played last year but they are playing new positions. We have worked extremely hard and hope this is a sign of good things to come. It was difficult conditions but the guys stayed focus and took care of what they had to do.”

Yok-Jing Ma topped Kent Balacy 6-0, 6-0 in the No. 1 singles match. No. 4 Nolan Osborn and No. 6 Spencer Jackson also blanked their opponents. Michael Lopez and Kyle Thornburg each lost only one game. Gino Mercado defeated Weston Ranch No. 3 Issa Areja 6-0, 6-4.

Yok-Eyh Ma and Si Hao Tang won 6-4, 6-1 at No. 1 doubles. Edvin Pepic and Dhillon Patel prevailed 6-3, 6-1. Leonard Gutierrez and Matt Pabla won, 6-1, 6-1.



East Union 5,
Central Catholic 4

The Lancers squeaked out three three-set victories for the team win.

At No.3 singles, Kyle Niendorf came back to beat Sam Nicholson, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Jake Kramer raced past Mark Dunn after two competitive sets, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1. And the second doubles tandem of Gerardo Romero and Jose Sanchez triumphed, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.

No. 6 singles Carlos Campos (6-4, 6-2) and No. 3 doubles Raul Duenas and Hector Romero (6-3, 7-5) also picked up wins for the Lancers.



BASEBALL

Sierra 15, Livingston 2

It was a close game at Sierra until the Timberwolves exploded for 11 runs in the fourth inning. The rally was highlighted by Zak DeRossett’s grand slam. He finished 2 for 4 with five RBIs.

Steven Rios led the barrage with a 3-for-4 effort. Ryan Vasquez and Ryan Bergman were both 2 for 3. Winning pitcher Leo Soto pitched four innings and was relieved by Dylan Koniecka.



Galt 5, Weston Ranch 4

Host Galt rallied for three runs in the seventh inning to steal the win and ruin an otherwise solid pitching performance for Weston Ranch.

Manuel Rubio struck out six in a four-inning start, and Tommy De Anda had six strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. C.J. Drain took the loss. Andrew Paden reached base three times, and Rubio clubbed a pair of hits.



SOFTBALL

Lathrop 10, Millennium 6

Samantha Fonseca anchored the Spartans in their season-opening win, as she struck out five batters while contributed two hits and an RBI to the offense. Desireee Mendola, Adelina Moreno, Allie Baca and Leslie Landeros also drove in runs for Lathrop.



SOCCER

Ripon 6, Edison 1

Five first-time varsity players did the scoring for Ripon, including freshman Megan Johnson and Sydney Alvarez with a goal apiece. Johnson netted the first goal of the game in the 8th minute.

Kaydee Cruz struck twice in the first half to give the Indians a 4-0 cushion at the break. Gabby McDonough and Courtney Slamon were the other scorers.



Lathrop 4, Riverbank 3

Rosa Becerra found the back of the net twice and Cassy Flores made six saves in the Spartans’ season-opening victory. Jasenya Barajas and Yaneli Avila also scored, while Nedy Olivares had an assist.



Manteca 10,
Venture Academy 0

Leah Manuleleua racked up three goals and three assists in the rout.

Fechi Nkwocha and Lejla Pepic added two goals each, and both of Nkwocha’s were assisted by Manuleleua. Freshmen Alexa Mayen, Kaitlynn Funsch and Jocelyn Reyes also scored, while Avigail Mayen recorded two assists.



TRACK & FIELD

The Manteca girls easily one an invitational-style tri-meet hosted by Calaveras. The Buffaloes outscored Calaveras 236-129, with Liberty Ranch taking third with 93 points.

Jade Griffin won the 100- and 200-meter dashes while leading the 400 and mile relays to victories. Regan Both, the runner-up in the two individual sprints, and 800 winner Arianna Avina were also part of the winning relays.

The boys team came up short as Calaveras tallied 234 points to their 227. Liberty Ranch finished with 39. Brandon Craighead (800, mile, 4x400) won three events, while Juan Gomez (400, 4x400) took two firsts and was second in the 300 hurdles.