East Union dropped a four-game match (19-25, 25-18, 17-25, 20-25) to visiting Orestimba Monday.
The good news for first-year head coach Rich Posz is that he still has a clean slate record-wise. That’s because Monday’s match was one of 67 Sac-Joaquin Section Foundation Games that don’t count against records.
Foundation Games are exhibitions that help benefit the SJS’ scholarship program and the Women in Sports Conference. Last year, the section shelled out over $35,000 of scholarship money to 50 student-athletes. Admission costs are split between participating host schools and the section, which also holds Foundation Games during the basketball season.
East Union faced Turlock Christian for a scrimmage last Thursday, so Coach Posz has had two good opportunities to find out what areas his team needs to work on before it plays its first official contest today at West.
“We’re still looking to find a groove to get into,” Posz said. “Our hitters were starting to hit in the third and fourth games tonight, but the timing just isn’t there yet between our setters and hitters. Our passing was pretty good — we didn’t have a whole lot of service errors.”
Alexis Steele spearheaded the attack with seven kills, Carolina Gutierrez handed out 10 assists, Alex Scopas collected 10 digs and Madison Hoffman served up four aces.
Ripon Christian 3, Ripon 0
The host Knights were down 18-20 before taking over to win Game 1 and sweeping the remainder of the match — 25-22, 25-17, 25-19.
Ripon was without standout setter Lizzy Nizzoli (ankle), who also missed last year’s rivalry Foundation Game with an injury.
“They played really well,” Ripon Christian coach Tiger Shelton said of the Indians. “Not having Lizzy was a difference, but they competed.”
West 3, Manteca 1
Manteca struggled at the outset but was competitive the rest of the way in a four-game loss (9-25, 25-19, 15-25, 19-25) in Tracy.
Julia Martinez clubbed five kills to go with three assisted blocks. McKenna Balmut also racked up five kills and had two solo blocks. Freshman Morgan Miramontes contributed three kills and seven digs. Nicole Magnuson finished with 12 digs, and Ashley Gase turned in 12 assists.
Manteca takes on Gregori on the road Wednesday.
