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EU bounces back against Buffaloes
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East Union could have easily thrown in the towel against Manteca Thursday after losing two five-set heartbreakers earlier this week that likely ruined its shot at a Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth and a top-three finish in league.

That wasn’t the case for the Lancers, who tallied a four-set victory, 26-24, 25-21, 24-26, 25-20.

East Union improved to 6-5 in the Valley Oak League, 19-9-2 overall after knocking off its cross-town rival Manteca on Senior Night.

“I was happy with the girls because Senior Night usually gets a little emotional and you never know how they’re going to play,” East Union head coach Rich Posz said. “We came out on fire and seemed to build big leads early on but we weren’t able to hold them.”

On Monday, East Union lost in five games against Kimball at home. The Lancers were leading 12 -9 in the fifth game before Kimball closed on a 6-0 run to end it. Two days later, EU had a 14-9, Game-5 lead over Weston Ranch and ended up losing 16-14.

On Thursday, East Union went up 2-0 on Manteca and lost the third game. The Lancers closed it out with a five-point win in Game 4 and were led by Loretta Kakala’s nine kills and four blocks.

Leslie Cuevas finished with eight kills and Madison Hoffman had seven. Senior Monica King finished with four kills and 20 service points (six aces).

Jami Arceo tallied up 19 digs with 14 service points and four aces.

“I think the girls are always up for the cross-town rivalries, especially when we play Manteca,” Posz concluded. “They have a lot of energy. It seemed like we were kind of in control in the third set and then let them back in. It was kind of a déjà-vu moment. But we controlled the fourth for the most part. We could have laid flat, but it was a cross-town rivalry against Manteca, and that helps.”

East Union will finish the season with Oakdale and Sonora next week and Sierra on Nov. 4. Manteca finishes out against Sonora, Lathrop and away at Kimball.


TRANS VALLEY LEAGUE

Ripon 3, Modesto Chr. 1

Ripon was led by Jourdy Richter’s game-high 29 assists during a 23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-6 victory.

Kylie Stevens led the Indians with 16 kills and Danny Arteaga contributed 19 digs. Emily O’Brien finished with four aces and 13 digs. Kristen Carhart, Shannon Wesley and Karisa Carlson each tallied one block.