Sierra claimed two key doubles matches that went to third sets to clinch a 7-2 victory over visiting East Union in the Valley Oak League opener for both teams.

It was a closer match than the final margin indicates. There was a total of five three-set matches and three of them were won by the host Timberwolves.

Sierra swept at doubles starting with Maria Vazquez and Mia Perez’s 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 triumph in the their No. 1 encounter against Tabatha Barrington and Vanessa Hamilton. At No. 3 doubles, Monique Angel and Carly Cunial edged out Adriana Montes and Linda Gardener, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5. Shelby Owensby and Katarina Malabanan swept Mabharin Lee and Natalie Karim, 6-4, 6-4.

East Union picked up their points in singles matches that were decided in third sets. Deanna Baker topped Hannah Goe 5-7, 6-4, 6-0 in the No. 4 match, while No. 6 Haley Swingler defeated Kelly Bacon, 7-5, 3-6, 10-6. The No. 2 singles showdown was won by Simran Thind, 6-0, 0-6, 6-3. She squared off with EU’s Araceli Gonzales.

Sierra’s Annie Banks dispatched Maddie Yslava in the battle of No. 1s, 7-5, 6-3. No. 3 Claire Banks (6-0, 6-3) and No. 5 Nour Hamza (6-1, 6-3) also swept.

Sierra looks to keep it going today when it plays host to reigning VOL champion Manteca. East Union entertains Oakdale on Thursday.

Central Catholic 6, 
Manteca 3

League newcomer Central Catholic made a statement with its win over the defending champs, who tallied all of their points in doubles action.

Alondra Avila and Kaitlin Hoyer were victorious at No. 1 doubles, 6-4, 6-2. The No. 2 tandem of Koryn Menasco and Stefania Mercado took down Central’s Lauren Aja and Sarah Gemperle, 7-5, 5-7, 10-7. Ruble Dehal and Gladis Sandoval swept, 6-0, 6-2.

Manteca had some competitive losses in singles play. Sealy McAdams was thwarted by Amie Ardis 2-6, 6-4, 2-6 in the No. 2 contest. No. 3 Julia Saling dropped a three-set affair to Faith Masellis, 6-3, 2-6, 3-6.

Kimball 7, Lathrop 2

The Spartans hope to be more competitive this year, and they showed well in Tuesday’s defeat in Tracy.

“For the first match of the season I was pleased with the improvement out of the young players,” Lathrop coach Arabella Whitlock said.

Both of their points were picked up by doubles teams. The No. 1 duo of Kim Victoria and Trish Garlit prevailed 6-3, 6-4, while Eden Baca and Mira Imperial won with 6-2, 6-2 scores.

Lathrop No. 4 Angela Alegado had a chance to take Alicia Beidler to a third set but fell, 6-7 (6-8), 3-6.