Two-time state qualifier Christian Gonzalez was the pacesetter in the Valley Oak League cross country opener Wednesday at Mistlin Sports Complex.
The Sierra senior won the 3-mile varsity boys race in 16 minutes, 59.0 seconds, leading the Timberwolves to a second-place finish behind Oakdale. Sierra’s girls were also runners-up to Oakdale. Sophomore Anna Dittman took second for Sierra in 18:48.7, trailing only Patterson’s Natalie Arriaza (18:27.3).
Oakdale dominated the team standings, getting all five of its scorers in the top 10 of both varsity competitions.
For Sierra’s boys, Max Perez placed 13th in 18:04.7. Malcolm Nguyen (18:27.4) and Caleb Narayan (18:37.0) followed in 16th and 17th, respectively. Oliver Roman (19:02.7) rounded out the T’wolves’ score in 22nd.
Monse Saavedra joined Dittman in the top 10 for Sierra, taking seventh in 20:35.3. Iris Rodriguez (14th, 23:04.6), Naomi Ross (16th, 24:30.8), Abigail Fraser (18th, 24:38.2) also contributed.
Manteca’s Paisley Coenenberg finished 12th (21:51.4), while East Union’s Cheyenne Hudson was 17th (24:31.2).
Elijah Galvan highlighted area runners in the lower levels, as he won the 2-mile frosh-soph race in 11:26.8. Manteca’s Ariel Ayala was the frosh-soph girls runner-up in 16:17.5. East Union’s Lillyana Mejia took second in JV girls, and Isaac Serrato was third in JV boys.
The second VOL cluster meet is on Oct. 1 back at Mistlin Sports Complex.
FLAG FOOTBALL
Lathrop 44, Johansen 0
The Spartans (3-1, 8-2 overall) bounced back from their first Western Athletic Conference loss of the season.
Quarterback Luz De Luna threw for six touchdowns and seven point-after tries. She finished 20-for-28 for 247 yards and had no interceptions.
Jaleiyah Ray caught eight of those passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns to go with four conversion receptions. Aaliyah Thompson contributed two receiving TDs and a PAT. She also led the defense with five tackles and four sacks.
Lillyanna Balandra recorded six tackles, while Faith Allen, Morgan Hegler and Ray each had an interception. Heidy Camacho and Adamaris Robles each chipped in a touchdown reception.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Lathrop 3, Johansen 0
The Spartans (4-0, 8-4 overall) continued its roll to start the WAC season, sweeping with ease 25-16, 25-16, 25-9 in Modesto.
Siliana Fa’ataualofa fired 10 kills and six aces to head the attack. Erin Chunn added six kills, two aces and three digs.
Ayden Petroff tallied 19 assists, three aces and four digs. Jadore Dixon turned in 11 digs and four aces. Justine Mabutas contributed six digs and two aces.
JV flag football
Lathrop 20, Johansen 0
Jacquelyn Avalos highlighted the shutout with three sacks, while Briannalea Rodriguez had a sack for a safety.
Aviahna Calderon directed the offense, completing 10 of 19 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Camila Salcedo contributed a touchdown pass.
Madlynn Nungaray (four catches, 45 yards, two TDs) and Jaylah Seabron (3-50-1) were Lathrop’s top receivers.
JV girls volleyball
Lathrop 2, Johansen 0
The Spartans coasted 25-12, 25-12, getting 16 assists from Cassidy Fa’ali’i and 14 from Alexza Bringas. They each also had an ace.
Audrina Fisher produced six kills, three digs and two aces. Andrea Lemus and Irshbir Bisla pitched in four kills and three aces apiece.
Frosh girls volleyball
Lathrop 2, Johansen 0
It was all Lathrop in the 25-13, 25-13 sweep, with Juliet Tara netting six assists and four aces.
Lanayah Denson added four kills, Aisha Wiseman had four aces and Arianna Sheel had six digs.
