PATTERSON — East Union finally hit its stride on Thursday, and just in time for the start of Valley Oak League play.

Swept in their first three matches of the season, the Lancers staved off Patterson for their first win under new head coach Chelsea Herrera, 24-26, 25-15, 25-23, 25-20.

“Things started clicking for us,” Herrera said. “They had a few big plays, won a few big rallies and kept rolling with it.”

She was especially pleased with her team’s resilience after dropping the opening set.

“It shows how big they really are,” she said. “Coming back from losing 24-26, they were not ready to give up. They just kept working hard and played much better in the next three sets.”

East Union (1-3) was buoyed by the all-around effort of Kiana Day, who racked up 11 kills and 21 digs. Savannah LeBarre led the attack with 14 kills, while setter Angelica Mercado registered 30 assists. Ragan Fowzer came up with five blocks and four aces, and Jaidyn Valencia added six blocks.

The Lancers compete in the Golden Valley Tournament today and Saturday before travelling to Lathrop for their VOL opener next Monday.

Bear Creek 3, Manteca 1

STOCKTON — The Buffaloes’ eight-match winning streak, the last three coming against defending league champions, came to an end Thursday.

Bear Creek, which claimed a share of the San Joaquin Athletic Association title last year, ended their roll with a 25-13, 25-20, 24-26, 25-20 win.

“They are a really good team,” Manteca coach Kevin Bolding said. “They played well from the start and it took us a little while to get going. We want to play tough teams to get better, and hopefully our preseason got us prepared for the next part of our schedule.

Manteca (9-3) was led by Kacy Bolding’s 15 assists, five kills and three blocks. Kaitlyn Morenzone contributed 10 assists, seven kills and two aces. Rhiannon Genilla posted five kills, 10 digs and five aces. Payton Reis slapped down 12 kills.

Weston Ranch 3,

Stagg 0

STOCKTON — Amena Gonzalez ended the match with three straight aces, as the Cougars (6-1) rolled to a 25-15, 25-11, 26-16 win at home.

Amaya Finley swatted a match-high 15 kills, Nayeli Moreno delivered 21 assists and Judit Zamora amassed eight aces to go with three kills.

Sierra 3, Downey 0

The Timberwolves (6-1) rebounded from their first loss of the season, surging past visiting Downey, 25-21, 25-14, 25-13.

Emma Brierly led the offense with 28 assists, and Lindsey Walljasper rapped 12 kills. Hailey Steele chipped in with nine kills and was efficient at the service line.

Sophomore

Bear Creek 2, Manteca 0

STOCKTON — Manteca (4-1) suffered its first loss, 11-25, 17-25.

Ayva Savoy finished with four digs, Abby Arias had three kills and Kaley Miller served five points.

Sierra 2, Downey 0

Natalie Dias turned in four blocks, while Stella Brierly added five assists and three kills in a 26-24, 25-18 win for the Timberwolves.

Freshman

Sierra 2, Downey 0

Chloe Sabado totaled 19 service points, as Sierra coasted to a 25-23, 25-6 victory. Jenna Villanueva aided the cause with solid back-row play.