LATHROP – The Lathrop Spartans had one last opportunity to record their one and only win of the Valley Oak League season, but even a valiant fourth quarter effort could not help Lathrop earn its first victory in a season-ending 52-48 loss to East Union Tuesday.

Lathrop made its final sprint towards a victory with a inspiring 24-point fourth quarter, yet a couple of huge put backs late in the contest allowed the Lancers (14-1, 22-4) to pull away with their 10th consecutive VOL win.

“The girls were really up for this one and they wanted to establish respectability for themselves, which we’ve been trying to do for the entire season,” Lathrop head coach Ed Fang said. “Everyone that we’ve played knows that we are an up-and-coming team that is very capable.

“As long as we play good, solid defense like we did tonight, we can beat anybody in the future.”

East Union held a 25-17 halftime lead, distancing themselves even further from Lathrop with a 14-point third quarter. The Spartans had every opportunity to fold in their season, but Lathrop responded, outscoring East Union 24-13 in their final eight minutes of the season.

“They played without Shalane Jackson tonight, but regardless they are still the No. 1 team,” Fang said. “We were able to beat them down the floor in that fourth. Of course Jazlyn Simon is a handful for any team, so we were able to get the ball up the floor and that opened up some easy looks for us.”

Jasmine Elder led Lathrop with 18, while Simon and Britney Rallios added 16 and seven, respectively.

East Union was led by junior Lexy Posz’s game-high 22 points, and Salina Tiscareno nailed three 3-pointers on her way to nine points. Krystal Young chipped in with seven behind a pair from beyond the arc.

The Lancers, who have secured their fourth straight VOL crown, made sure to divvy playing time amongst the members of the program who have not experienced a great deal of playing time.

“It’s important to allow your other players a chance to show their part in a championship season too,” East Union head coach Jim Agostini said. “Those players are what made us a championship team.”

East Union will try and make it 11 straight when they play host to crosstown rival Manteca High to close out the VOL season Thursday.

OAKDALE – The Cougars raised their playoff stock with a huge VOL win over the section’s No. 11 seed in the Division III power ratings Tuesday.

The Cougars (8-7, 15-11) fought back from a five-point halftime deficit to blow past the Mustangs (9-6, 18-7) with a 17-6 third quarter run. Timnesha Wilson led the Cougars with 15 points, while Emoni Wilson and Jasmine Strane both added nine apiece. Senior Courtney Duran closed out the contest with eight points.

The Cougars will need to close out league play with a victory when they make the trip to Manteca to take on the Sierra Timberwolves Tuesday.

CERES – The Timberwolves (7-8, 12-13) took the appropriate measures to extend their season, handling the Central Valley Hawks Tuesday in league action.

Sierra opened the contest with the No. 22 seed in the Division III power ratings, needing to finish in the top-16 places to earn a berth into the Sac-Joaquin Section postseason tournament.

The Timberwolves got a stellar effort from Jaslyn Liotard who paced Sierra with 13 points, while teammates Michelle Arroyo and Jordan Johnson finished with nine and eight, respectively. Teammates Stephanie Vannie and Mallory Weiler both chipped in with seven

Vanni made good on a late 3-pointer to seal the deal for Sierra.