Manteca was highly competitive against Valley Oak League-leading Sonora on Tuesday afternoon at the Manteca Park Golf Course.

The Buffaloes’ Brandon Ramirez (41) tied for the medalist-honors with Sonora’s Kada Barajas as Manteca came up short, 227-223.

“Today was one of our best team efforts this year,” Manteca head coach David Fontanilla said. “Even though we came up short, I was really proud of the team for their effort. Again, we need to grind down our scores and we can still tighten them (all).”

Gus LaDue and Davey Tolbert carded 44s for Manteca (5-8 VOL), while Justin Morrish tallied a 46. Donal Hinkston (52) and Ray Tinnin (53) rounded out the Buffaloes’ total. Sonora, which improved to 11-2 in the VOL, was led by Billy Kiriluk (42) and Zach Atwood (43) to edge Manteca, who will compete against East Union Thursday at 3:30 p.m.



Oakdale 206, East Union 214

Oakdale knocked off East Union at its home course on Tuesday and forced a three-way tie at the top of the VOL standings between them two and Sonora.

Will Brink of East Union (11-2 VOL) tied for the medalist honors with Oakdale’s Ian Stockdale with a 1-under 35. Jordan Lund finished with a 43 and Nick Rounsville 44. Zach Couch (46), Eric Davis (47) and Kyle Davis (48) rounded out the Lancers’ total.

“A couple of my guys didn’t play well,” East Union head coach Dennis Wells said. “It was no good.

“This puts us in a three-way tie with Oakdale and Sonora. It will come down to the VOL tournament. Whoever wins (VOLs) will win the league (title).”