The Valley Oak League’s defending boys golf champion bounced back well after sustaining its first loss of the early season.

East Union, in the middle of its toughest stretch in league, outshot rival Sierra 219-237 at Manteca Park Golf Course on Wednesday. It was the way coach Dennis Well had hoped the Lancers (2-1) would respond after their surprising 250-251 loss at Oakdale last week.

It doesn’t get easier; East Union welcomes unbeaten Sonora today.

“I’m real happy with the progress they showed today,” Wells said. “They have been working hard all week after that loss and I like what I saw today. After (today) we’ll know where we stand.”

Sierra’s Blake Settlemoir was low medalist with a 2-over-39 on the front nine, but East Union had four scorers finish in less than 45 strokes. Eric Lewis led the Lancers with a 41. Trevor Baum and Michael Lozano each shot a 43, Ryan Lee turned in a 44 and Manuel Telles added a 48.

Scoring contributors for Sierra were: Chuck Good (43), Chris Schmitz (45), Matt Rose (48) and David Ketner (62).

TRANS-VALLEY

Ripon 209,
Riverbank 296

The Indians (4-0) produced a solid score on La Contenta Golf Club’s par-35 front nine in Valley Springs despite their best player finishing a few shots over his average.

Nathan Suender won the round with a 5-over 40, while Robby Figeroid carded a 41. Nick Sharp, the team’s No. 1, settled for a 42. Anthony Matthews also had a 42, and Cole Gonzales chipped in a 43.

“I knew our top three were going to be pretty good, but our bottom three guys are making a huge difference for us,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said.

Ripon heads to Stevinson Ranch twice next week — first for Hilmar’s annual Yellow Jacket Tournament, then for an anticipated TVL showdown with Hilmar.

NONLEAGUE

Ripon Christian 225,
Hilmar 251

Hilmar standout Landon Azevedo finished even par with a 36, but Ripon Christian overcame the medalist’s effort with solid outings from Kyle Colyn (38), Andrew Manes (43) and Jesse DeRousse (43).