MODESTO — East Union’s girls basketball team rebounded well after its first setback of the season on Thursday, overcoming an 11-point third-quarter deficit to Beyer to prevail, 61-57.

It’s the fourth straight game decided by less than five points for the Lancers (7-1), who dropped a 50-49 decision to Sonora on Tuesday.

“It’s a sign of what’s to come in the (Valley Oak League),” East Union coach Jim Agostini said. “There are going to be a lot of good, competitive games.”

Beyer (4-2) staked a 30-25 halftime lead and extended it to double digits early in the second half, but the Lancers countered with an 18-point outburst.

As much as the Patriots tried, they had no answer for 6-foot-2 sophomore Donja Payne, who accumulated 19 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks. Rube Daube was 7 of 8 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to give the Lancers separation and finished with 18 points. Hailey Gosney chipped in with 13 points.

Alicia Jones fired 17 points to pace Beyer, while Brittney Meyers added 12.

“They tried to pack it in and stop Donja and we were able to knock down open shots from the perimeter,” Agostini said. “And she was still able to get points.”

East Union has four more games left before it begins its defense of the VOL championship. Up next is Modesto next Tuesday in the Tracy Breakfast Lions/Tom Hawkins Tournament.

“This was a really good bounce-back win for us,” Agostini said. “It was a tough week for the girls; they played three games in four days and it’s finals week for them. Winning two out of the three, we’re happy with that after how we played against Sonora the other night.”

Los Banos 42, Ripon 40

LOS BANOS — The Indians (5-4) took their third straight single-digit defeat Thursday. 

Katie Kaiser scored 11 points to lead Ripon, Mia Van Lewen had nine points and six rebounds and Reina Sausedo contributed eight points and nine boards.

Los Banos (6-7) was paced by Erika Gutierrez’s 13 points.

Sophomore

East Union 74, Beyer 45

MODESTO — All but one player scored for the 10-0 Lancers, who were able to pour in 24 points in the fourth quarter with reserves.

Nina Muprhy registered a game-high 24 points, and Julia Vezaldenos had 15. East Union drained seven 3-pointers.