Things didn’t go as planned for the Manteca boys tennis team during a challenging preseason schedule, but the experience paid dividends in its 8-1 win over visiting Central Catholic on Wednesday.

The Buffaloes went 2-6 before the Valley Oak League opener, facing mostly higher-division programs. Included were three matches in the Best of Sacramento Showcase.

“After a tough preseason schedule playing top tennis schools it was nice to get a win,” Manteca coach Frank Fontana said. “It will only help our confidence as we continue in league.”

Solman Aniss toppled Sam Nicholson 6-2, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. Central Catholic is shorthanded to start league, with some of its players — including No. 1 Conor  Fenton — still competing for the Raiders’ basketball team.

Si Hao Tang fended off Angelo Traina 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the No. 2 singles match. Yok Whai Ma (6-0, 6-4), Joseph Poncini (6-3, 6-3) and DeAngelo Caldera (6-1, 6-0) also swept their opponents. Central’s lone win came at No. 3 singles, as Dane Juarez defeated Yok Eyh Ma 7-5, 1-6 (10-6).

Manteca’s doubles dominated, with Dhillon Patel/Kevin Lin (6-1), Jake Tolbert/Cameron Gonzales (6-1, 6-0) and Robert Foo/Tate Hogen rolling to victories.

“We didn’t play CC at their team’s full strength,” Fontana said. “They will be tough to beat once they have their entire team.”

Manteca next takes on Sierra at the Manteca Regional Tennis Center on Friday.

Kimball 6, Lathrop 1

LATHROP — Zachary Attiya outlasted Jacob Febre 6-3, 4-6 (10-4) for Lathrop’s point. The No. 2 and 3 doubles matches were halted due to darkness.

Akshat Giri nearly scored another point for the Spartans but dropped a 7-6, 4-6 (10-4) decision to Brandon Bastro.

GOLF

East Union 219,

Lathrop DQ

Lathrop’s Christian Guzman carded a personal best 5-under 32 at Manteca Park Golf Course. The Spartans did not field a full squad in the Valley Oak League match.

East Union’s Tyler Griggs turned in a 38, while Ezra Lendhardt contributed a 39. Kyle Dorland (41), Braden Goodnough (43) and Jake Leal (58) rounded out the Lancers’ score.

Other Lathrop golfers were Robert Berndt (62), Sebastian Iniquez (62) and Luke Marcello (68).

Ripon 253,

Ripon Christian 260

RIPON — Sac-Joaquin Section Masters qualifier Ryan Garcia was low medalist with a 41 at Spring Creek Country Club, but it wasn’t enough for Ripon Christian in a nonleague match.

Luis Candido paced the victorious Indians with a 45 and was followed by Justin Brito’s 48, Zach Angel’s 50, Garrett Avila’s 53 and Derek Dunniway’s 57.

Danton Indelecato added a 43 for RC. Other Knights scorers were Rian Kotsier (57), Brett Doek (57) and Darin Doek (63).

SOFTBALL

Gustine 13, Lathrop 5

MODESTO — The Spartans (2-3) split their first two games in the Waterford Tournament held at Rainbow Fields on Tuesday.

Adelina Moreno went 2 for 2 with an RBI. Naomi Del Barrio and Taylor Phillips each contributed a run-scoring hit.

Lathrop 11,

Big Valley Christian 7

Lathrop bounced back from the tourney-opening loss, getting two hits apiece from Brittany Johnson (double, two RBIs), Annalisa Garcia and Taylor Brim (three RBIs). Sam Sales contributed a double.

Del Barrio pitched a complete game for the win, scattering seven hits.

VOLLEYBALL

Ceres 3, Sierra 0

CERES —  The Timberwolves were swept, 11-25, 9-25, 11-25.

Diego Gracia finished with five assists and two kills. Cyrus Hunter rapped out three kills.

Sophomore softball

East Union 14, Gregori 1

McKenzie Salgado went 3 for 3 with a double and two RBIs, and every starter had at least one hit for the Lancers (6-0-1).

Kennedy Goodnough swatted a double and a triple for three RBIs. Bradee Jeffree was 2 for 3 with a double and drove in two runs.

Freshman baseball

Sierra 9, Turlock 7

OAKDALE — Sierra led 9-0 after three innings in its first game of the Oakdale Tournament.

Starting pitcher Louis Aquila had a no-hitter through three innings and finished with five strikeouts. Kennedy Kuwada closed it out for the save. The game was eventually called to darkness.

Steven Eaves jump started the offense with a lead-off triple and scored on Kuwada’s sacrifice fly. Ben Supinger and Deshon Thomas each had a double. Austin Peterson capped scoring for the Timberwolves with an RBI single.