Lathrop head coach Gabe Padilla decided to start his best player on the attacking third not necessarily to get more scoring production, but to allow her to put less stress on a strained quad.

Well, the Spartans got more production anyway.

Yaneli Avila scored the first of her school-record five goals in the third minute, and Lathrop continued its solid start to the season Thursday with a 9-1 rout of visiting Pacheco.

“Yaneli had a spectacular game,” Padilla said. “I played her up top because she was a little injured and she took full advantage of it.”

Jasenya Barajas added two goals and an assist. Nerildy Olivares and Jan Nina Dumaguing each contributed a goal. Rosa Becerra assisted to goals, including Avila’s first. Goalie Cassandra Flores recorded four saves.

Lathrop is now 3-0-1 heading into today’s game at Modesto Christian.

“It’s the best start we’ve ever had but honestly we haven’t been all that polished,” Padilla said. “We’re winning but they haven’t been impressive wins. This one was semi-impressive but we know there is much more improving to do.”



Sierra 1, Pitman 1

In Turlock, the Timberwolves (0-4-1) struck first with Annisity Miller’s goal, assisted by McKenna Doyle, in the second minute. Pitman (1-2-2) salvaged a tie by scoring the equalizer in the 56th minute.

Emma Broderick had five saves, and Sierra outshot the Pride, 20-9.

“I thought we played really well in the first half,” Sierra coach Manuel Pires said. “We scored early but we had a couple great opportunities that we couldn’t finish”

Frosh-soph

Sierra 3, Pitman 0

Sarah Lenowitz scored the first goal off an assist from Jennifer Rivera in the 19th minute, and roles were reversed when the lead was doubled 11 minutes into the second half. Rivera booted her second goal of the contest late. Yessica Salcedo came up with five saves in goal.



Lathrop 4, Pacheco 1

Allison Alvarez, Sandra Benis, Karina Quintero and Taylor Rose each netted a goal for the Spartans (3-1).

Alyssa Estrada, Alex DeAguila, Olive Vazquez and Benis contributed assists. Noel Smith tallied four saves.