TRACY — A combination of an intimidating Kimball front line and a string of unforced errors by visiting Weston Ranch proved to be too much for the Cougars to overcome.

The Jaguars posted a 25-11, 25-14, 25-21 sweep Monday, a far different result from their five-game barnburner won by Kimball to start the Valley Oak League season.

Of the 75 points put up by Kimball (4-2 VOL, 8-8 overall) in the three sets, 39 of them came from the front line in either kills (26) or blocks (13). Conversely, the Cougars (6-8, 3-5) managed just 22 front-line points.

Weston Ranch coach Chris Bauer was not at all pleased with his team’s service and unforced errors that combined totaled 22.

“That was by far the worst game we have played to date,” Bauer said. “Just as far as knowing where we are, what we are doing, how we are doing it and where we are in rotation – it was just real bad.

“This was a bad day to have it, but we have to reinvent the wheel at practice because we have Sonora coming to town on Monday.”

After tying the score at 5 in the first set, the Cougars had problems stringing together any points and watched the Jaguars close it out on a 20-6 run. Kimball led the entire second set was in command of the third set, building a 19-9 lead. Then Weston Ranch came to life.

Buoyed by a kill, two blocks and an ace by Taylor Holiday, an ace by Elisabeth Alexander and a kill by Kelli Laughlin, the Cougars battled back to within 22-19. But a service error and an unforced error by Weston Ranch helped tip the scale the Jaguars’ way for a 25-21 win.

Holiday had three kills and five blocks, Alexander three kills and five digs and Alex Marapao 10 assists.

“They had a lot of big girls,” Holiday said. “It was tough, it was a battle, but we got through for a few points.”

The Weston Ranch sophomores posted a thrilling two-game sweep, winning the first set 32-30 and second 25-14. Elysia Hernandez had six kills for the Cougars, Lily Aguilar four aces and Sabrina Rangel 12 assists.

Kimball won the freshman contest 2-0.



SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Ripon Chr. 3, Denair 0

The three-time defending champion tallied its 41st consecutive win since rejoining the SL on Monday, cruising 25-9, 26-16, 25-6.

Denair had trouble handling the tough jump serving of Andie Shelton. The setter led the Knights (9-0 SL, 11-4 overall) with 18 service points and 10 aces to go with 23 assists.

Teagan Manus was the go-to hitter, finishing with 14 kills. Amanda Evans had eight digs to pace the defense, and Courtney Perrillat turned in a pair of blocks.