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GIRLS SOCCER: Jones sparks Manteca in 2nd half at Central Catholic
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Sophomore Sienna Jones helped Manteca break through after a scoreless first half Thursday at Central Catholic.

She drew a foul that led to Caitlynn Wong’s penalty-conversion and later scored a goal of her own in the 2-0 Valley Oak League victory for the visiting Buffaloes.

Manteca had trouble at the start adjusting to the mud-soaked David Patton Memorial Field as well as the Raiders’ compact back line.

“The field conditions were extremely poor and made the entire game difficult,” Manteca coach Justin Coenenberg said. “We did not play well in the first half and were kind of stagnant.”

That changed in the second half, when the Buffaloes (2-1 VOL, 6-3 overall) began to finally create chances. Jones was taken down in the box after maneuvering past the defense, and she scored on an assist by Emilee Craighead to lock down the three points in the final minutes.

Goalie Marissa Soza finished with five saves.

“Second half it was a whole different team,” Coenenberg said. “The movement off the ball was good and we were creating opportunities. We had 3-4 (shot attempts) go off the posts and the crossbar. I’m very pleased with our second half.”

Manteca has a long break before its next match, as it takes on upstart Ripon at home on Dec. 28.

 

Non-league

Pitman 3, Sierra 0

The host Pride (5-1-1) of Turlock was able to shut out the leading scorer in the Sac-Joaquin Section. Jocelin Roa attempted four of Sierra’s 11 shots, putting one on frame. Her 17 goals and 41 points lead the SJS, according to stats reported to MaxPreps. Goalkeeper Annika Beall had three saves.

Sierra (7-3-1) welcomes Lathrop for another non-league match next Tuesday.