TRACY — Two area clubs were affected by Central Catholic’s four-game upset of Oakdale on Monday.

For Manteca, it gives the Buffaloes sole possession of first place with one Valley Oak League match remaining. They did their part by sweeping Kimball, 28-26, 25-17, 25-21.

Central Catholic’s 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 win over the three-time defending champion Mustangs also secured itself the third and final Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth and knocked Lathrop out of contention.

Manteca (12-1 VOL, 21-8 overall) has at least a share of the VOL championship secured — their first since 1991 — but will go for an outright claim in the regular-season finale at East Union. 

“We put ourselves in that spot to need the help,” Manteca coach Kevin Bolding said, referring to his team’s five-game loss to Oakdale two weeks ago that put them in a first-place tie. “It’s a long season, and to go this long with only one or two losses is tough. 

“We’re playing a team Wednesday that may not have a lot of wins but they’re still a good team that plays people tough. We still have to finish it out — it’s not done yet.”

Rhiannon Genilla was an all-around standout for the Buffs on Monday, finishing with 12 kills, 15 digs, 14 service points and four aces. Payton Reis contributed 15 kills, eight digs, 10 service points and three blocks.

Kaitlyn Morenzone registered seven kills, 11 digs, 15 assists and two aces. Kacy Bolding added 17 assists, three kills and eight digs. Emma Kadillak turned in 10 digs, and Kaylee MacDannald had two kills and three blocks.

Lathrop 3, W. Ranch 0

STOCKTON — The Spartans (8-5, 12-9) needed to win out this week with two losses from Central Catholic — which beat them twice this season — to sneak into the postseason for the first time.

They warded off Weston Ranch 26-24, 25-16, 27-25 Monday and close out the season with visiting Oakdale on Wednesday.

“We want to finish with a bang,” Lathrop coach Heather Anderson said.

Lathrop had to work for the sweep against its rival. Jahsita Fa’alii led the way with 12 kills and 12 digs. Myani Thornton added nine kills to the attack. Malia Akers rapped six kills, and Avleen Kaur had five to go with three aces. Karina Chavez set 35 assists, while Krystal Tempra collected 21 digs.

Amaya Finley racked up 10 kills and four assists on Senior Night for Weston Ranch (4-9. 12-13) Nayeli Moreno chipped in two kills and 12 assists. Zhane Sullivan and Giselle Lopez led the defense. The Cougars led 13-5 early in the opening set. 

“Everybody plays up on Senior Night and they had a great crowd that really energized their team,” Anderson said of the Cougars. “I think maybe we took them too lightly.”

Ripon Ch. 3, Gustine 0

GUSTINE — Ripon Christian (11-2, 17-14 overall) remains in contention for a seventh straight Southern Athletic League title after coasting past Gustine (1-12, 5-17), 25-13, 25-6, 25-14.

Paige Vos rapped a match-high 14 kills for the Knights. Renae Heida contributed six kills and three aces. Makenzie Miller hammered four kills. Emily Manes chimed in with six digs and two aces. Taylor Alger dished out 25 assists.

Sophomore

Lathrop 2, W. Ranch 0

STOCKTON — Hailey Hunter paced the Spartans with five aces and 12 digs. Charlene Bernal hit two kills, while Nicole Vasconcellos handed out eight assists.

Freshman

Lathrop 2, W. Ranch 1

STOCKTON — Ke’mya Barnett came through with five kills and five aces in Lathrop’s three-game victory.

Madison Kelley served four aces and had five digs. Crispa Ballesteros distributed nine assists.