LATHROP — Lathrop’s girls soccer team continues to give contending teams fits in the second half of Valley Oak League play.
The Spartans overcame an early three-goal deficit to tie it, only for Kaitlynn Funsch to lead second-place Manteca to a 6-3 win at Bennie Gatto Field on Tuesday.
Although Manteca (9-1-2, 17-4-2 overall) had an overwhelming 27-5 advantage on shot attempts, Lathrop (1-10-1, 4-11-2) was able to cash on its fewer opportunities.
There was no stopping Funsch, however. She finished with five goals, including the first three of the match on assists from Madison Burch, Ashleen Kahar and Melissa Poncini.
The Spartans countered with three unanswered goals of their own, starting with Kayla DeAnda’s free kick. Manteca led 3-2 at halftime, but Kassandra Ceja booted the equalizer — and her second goal for the game — early in the second half while Lathrop keeper Noelle Smith (21 saves) kept her club in it.
Manteca regained the lead on Jordyn Silva’s goal, and Funsch capped her big night with two more. Alexa Mayen contributed an assist, while Poncini ended with two. Manteca goalie Aimee Meier had three saves.
Sierra 6, C. Catholic 1
The Timberwolves (11-0-1, 20-0-2) can claim the VOL championship outright with a win Thursday at East Union.
They first had to get past Central Catholic (5-5-2, 13-9-3) on senior night. It was 1-1 at halftime, and the T’wolves broke away with five goals in a 12-minute span — three coming from freshman Tiana Cello. Jadyn Shinn added a pair of goals, and Callie Crain had one to go with an assist. Jasmine Loaiza contributed a pair of assists, while Yasmin Ballew had one. Michaela Bitle picked up five saves.
“I thought we started pretty strong in the first 10-15 minutes, but we let up a little bit and Central took it to us,” Sierra coach Manuel Pires said. “It took us a while to get going again but once we got that second goal that put our team in that mode.”

East Union 3, Kimball 1
TRACY — It was a dominant effort for the Lancers (9-1-2, 14-4-2) in their final tune-up for their crosstown rivalry matchups with Sierra and Manteca.
Taylor Campbell assisted Hailey Sims’ goal for a one-goal halftime lead and scored one of her own, set up by Jasmine Mejia, in the second half. Taysha McGuire added a header goal off a cross by Taylor McMahon. Kimball (3-7-1, 4-16-2) scored its only goal late.
“We’re not used to playing on turf, but the girls played well,” East Union coach Carlos Gaspar said.

Oakdale 2,
Weston Ranch 0
STOCKTON — Visiting Oakdale (4-6-2, 8-8-2) escaped with the win after scoring in the 43rd and 60th minutes.
Aliyah Guerrero racked up 11 saves for Weston Ranch (0-11-1, 3-18-2).
“We didn’t have the greatest of warmups, luckily we were able to flip the switch after the first 10 minutes and started creating some opportunities,” Weston Ranch coach Gabe Padilla said. “Our defense has stepped it up the last couple of weeks and we’re giving the top teams a run for their money.”

Ripon Christian 6,
Le Grand 0
RIPON — The Knights (8-3-1, 11-8-1) picked up a much-needed Southern Athletic League win after dropping three straight.
Bethany Silveira spearheaded the onslaught with a goal and three assists. Alysia Templeman, Thea Vander Meulen, Janine Prins and Rachel Oosterman each scored one. Madison de Graaf and Templeman contributed an assist each. Emma Cormier and Manaia Pio combined for the shutout at goal.

Frosh-soph
Oakdale 2,
Weston Ranch 0
STOCKTON — Weston Ranch was led by Lizbeth Perez’s seven saves.