East Union hung with host Lathrop through two sets Thursday night before running away with the third in a 25-14, 25-19, 25-8 non-league boys volleyball win for the Spartans.
“This was a good win for us,” Spartans coach Tao Fa’ali’i said. “I am always telling the boys we have to finish strong and that second set was too close.
“We are letting people know that whoever is coming for us, Lathrop is waiting.”
Christian Green led the charge for Lathrop (7-0) with 16 kills and two aces.
“I just want to bring energy to the team,” Green said. “We always play well when we have great energy.”
Diego Sanchez patrolled the back line for the Spartans with 20 digs.
“On defense coach is always telling me to be disciplined, not to have happy feet,” Sanchez said. “So I did that. Being a defensive specialist as the libero is a big deal on this team.”
Tory Sumbler dished out 33 assists with 10 digs and two aces for the Spartans and Arman John chipped in nine kills.
The Lancers (3-3) were within 19-14 in the first set before the Spartans closed out the game on a 6-0 run. The second set was even closer at 20-18 before a 5-1 closing run for Lathrop.
The third set was never close as the Spartans jumped out to a 10-1 lead and never looked back.
“Sometimes, this can be a mental game,” East Union coach Sabrina Ballin said. “And I think we took the court with the preconception that they were better than us.
“We came out and we were with them for two sets but the third one got away from us. We could have done it. We have the potential and we have the ability, but it’s rough when you go up against teams that have been tough in the past. We have to be able to get that out of our minds.”
Jai Aquino paced the Lancers with seven kills, a block and a dig. Gavin Silva (four kills, four service points), Braulio Reyes (six service points, three assists, two aces), Jyruz Faustorilla (four assists), Eden Yang (four digs), Adam Jiminez (two kills) and Nathan Rodriguez (two blocks) rounded out the East Union attack.
Junior varsity
Lathrop 2, East Union 1
The Spartans eked out a thrilling 25-13, 23-25, 15-13 win.
Lathrop’s Persius Fa’ali’i (eight digs) and Caden Wisnieski (five digs) posted seven kills apiece. Charles Reyes dished out 19 assists and Brandon Sanchez added four digs and two kills.
Benni Estrada had four aces behind nine service points along with six assists for the Lancers. Noah Holdren added three aces and two kills; Gabe Holguin posted 10 service points with a pair of aces and five kills; Cash Galvez banged out five kills and Kiaio Simpson tallied seven assists, three service points, two digs and an ace.
