Lathrop High’s softball team overcame a slow start and nearly came back to beat visiting Ripon in an 8-7 nonleague loss on Monday.

The Spartans (1-1) were down 7-2 going into the bottom of the fifth. They plated three in the final inning to close to within one.

“We played very well today with the top of our lineup coming through with base hits and runs,” Lathrop coach Christina Jones said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t get enough of our bats going until the later innings.”

Ripon (1-1) aided sophomore pitcher Mackenzie Gauden (two earned runs, four strikeouts, four walks) with 10 hits, six coming from Tiana Chacon and Nicole Kaiser. Chacon finished 3 for 3 with four runs, while Kaiser went 3 for 3 with a double and four RBIs.

Alicia Erlandson was 3 for 4 with four runs plated for Lathrop. She also started in the pitcher’s circle, scattering seven hits for six earned runs in four innings.

Bri Lopez was solid in three relief innings while driving in three runs at the plate. Freshman Desiree Meniola contributed two RBIs, and Mari Duenes added three runs.

East Union 11, Stagg 0

Kelsey Emerson has apparently made herself at home under the lights of Stagg’s new softball complex.

The senior slugger belted a grand slam in the top of the third inning for the game’s first runs, and she went on to pitch the final five innings in relief for the win. Emerson ended up 4 for 4 with a double and six RBIs.

Stagg unveiled its new yard in its home opener last season against East Union. Emerson signed and dated the game ball, which is now displayed at the school’s trophy case, after crushing the first home run hit at the park.

“Last year, she hit the first home run there,” East Union coach Brian Goulart said. “Tonight, she hit the farthest one hit there.”

Jenny Ketner was the Lancers’ starting pitcher, giving up two hits in two innings.

The rest of the game, Goulart said, was highlighted by the defensive play of second baseman Jillian Costa, third baseman Jessica Campa and catcher Jordan Vinson.

Weston Ranch 7, Pacheco 0

Sophomore Arianna Hernandez pitched a one-hit, seven-strikeout gem as the Cougars improved to 2-0 on the young season.

Naomi Thurman was 2 for 4 with a triple to lead the offense, while Reianna Dominguez clubbed a double.