Limping, Kianna Lamont entered the game in the eighth minute and nearly changed East Union’s fortune with one good leg.

“Man, I should have started her in that game,” lamented former Lancer coach Jim Todd, alluding to East Union’s 2-1 loss to Colfax in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV semifinal round.

Lamont had twisted her ankle in a 3-2 victory over Foothill in the opening round and was relegated to the bench for the start of last Wednesday’s game.

Colfax took advantage, taking a 1-0 lead in the third minute when East Union failed to clear the ball out of his zone.

When Lamont entered she brought a physicality and presence to the pitch; a player who could impact the game at both ends.

East Union would eventually fall – a stunning loss by the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed – but it wasn’t for a lack of effort.

The Lancers nearly followed Lamont’s lead to victory, and it was that type of influence that nearly netted the four-year varsity star the Valley Oak League’s top individual honor.

Lamont received MVP consideration in earning her second straight all-VOL first-team selection.

She was joined on the first team by four others, including twin sister Kayla Lamont (two goals, nine assists, 44 steals) as East Union garnered the most first-team selections.

“Kianna was on her game from the start of the season,” Todd said of the defender bound for Cal State East Bay on a partial athletic scholarship. “She’s an amazing influence on the team.”

Kianna Lamont finished with five goals, three assists and 37 steals from her outside fullback position.

Senior captain Erica daSilva (seven goals, eight assists, 48 steals), junior playmaker Meghan Wallace (12 goals, 12 assists) and sophomore speedster Marissa King (six goals) were also named the first team.

“It was a show of respect,” Todd said, “but totally earned. We showed well. All three captains, between Kianna and Kayla and Erica, said ‘Let’s get this done, but at the same time we’re going to have some fun.’ ”

East Union (20-2-2) finished second to Kimball in the Valley Oak League title chase. Kimball earned both of the conference’s major awards: Ron Hattley was named Coach of the Year; and Adaurie Dayak was the Most Valuable Player.

Filling out the conference’s first and second teams proved tricky.

There was talent everywhere.

Sierra (9-9-4) had three selections to the first team, one at each level of the field: Toree Iniquez (one goal, two assists), defense; Tiffany Quezada (six goals, six assists), midfield; and Jessica Cuenca (12 goals, three assists), forward.

Manteca’s dynamic duo found their way onto the first team.

Striker Sammie Morris returned from a leg injury with a historic campaign. She became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 14 goals. Morris also had 14 assists.

Her wingman Sialei Manuleleua rounded out her career with a team-high 15 goals and 17 assists. The Buffaloes (16-7-1) were eliminated from postseason contention with a loss to East Union on the season’s final day.

East Union, Manteca and Weston Ranch each had two players named to the second team.

Goalie Adrieanna Wood (76 saves, .615 goals against average) and sweeper Rachel Sianez (20 steals) were second-team picks for the Lancers, who boasted the VOL’s second-stingiest defense.

They were joined by Manteca defenders Samantha Grieman and Jasmine Odell (four assists). Lucero Ambriz and Alexcia Sanchez were tabbed from Weston Ranch (4-12).

Midfielder Sierra Downum (three goals, two assists) was Lathrop’s lone second-team selection. Sierra defender Patricia Angel (one goal, four assists) rounded out the local selections.

Those receiving an honorable mention were:

• EAST UNION: Chloe Benham, Isabella Cardenas, Ashley Almeida, Maddie Yslava and Alivia Lemay.

• MANTECA: Avigail Mayen, Chenayi Tavaziva, and Leah Maneleleua.

• SIERRA: Asia Cortez and Lindsey Williams.

• LATHROP (4-19-2): Calia Morales-Linnell.