LATHROP — The Lathrop High Spartans await their playoff fate.
That’s after their grind-it-out 42-29 victory Tuesday against visiting Sierra in Valley Oak League finale.
“We’ve been sitting at No. 11 (out of 12 teams) since the playoff rankings came out. We haven’t lost so hopefully it won’t change anything,” said Lathrop coach Dwayne Davis.
For teams that do not earn automatic berths in league (top three for the VOL), they may still qualify by finishing in the top 12 of the Division I-IV MaxPreps Sac-Joaquin Section rankings. There is a three-way tie for third place in the VOL with Central Catholic losing to Manteca and Kimball defeating Weston Ranch.
The Spartans (8-6 VOL, 14-10) relied on defense, speed and occasional scoring spurts to get past the Timberwolves (3-11 VOL, 12-15).
“It was the last game of our season so wanted to play our best,” Sierra coach Martha Spivey said.
Alison Edwards hit for a pair of first-quarter treys to pace the Timberwolves early on.
But then Lathrop strung together points. Danya Phillips hit for a pair including one off a steal and Ryleen Crull scored on a drive.
The Spartans maintained that momentum in the second.
Gurveen Bal hit a midrange jumper while Myani Thornton and Deja Andrades added field goals.
Andrades was a factor on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds including five off the offensive glass.
Phillips had a team-high 10 points, six steals and four rebounds and a block.
Down 19-11 at the break, Sierra opened the second half with an 8-2 run. Kayla Wilson had a game-high 11 points including a 3 early in the third.
Lathrop bounced back strong  after a timeout, with Andrades and Sheilla Mertilien chipping in with two quick baskets to ignite that 14-2 secondhalf rally, essentially putting the game away.
Late in the game, Davis inserted Terrina Phillips, who is still recovering from an early season knee injury.
“I wanted her to stand around (in fear of re-injuring the knee). But her competitiveness took over,” Davis said.
Terrina Phillips, who is also a standout track athlete, hit one of two free throws much to delight of the Lathrop rooters.
For Sierra, Edwards added 10 points, five boards and two steals.
Meanwhile, Davis anxiously awaited to hear if his team earned a postseason berth.
“Whatever happens, it’s been a great season. This is the first time in school history (at Lathrop High) to end the regular season with a winning record and the first time in finishing with a winning VOL record,” he said.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mailvrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.