Sierra’s boys tennis team got its revenge, and in dramatic fashion.
The Timberwolves toppled Valley Oak League contending Manteca 5-4 on Wednesday, pulling out four three-set wins in the process. It was Jassan Gill who punctuated the upset, as he squeaked past Kayson Neduvakkattu 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the No. 5 singles match. Gill was swept in their previous meeting.
Third sets also plagued the Buffaloes (4-2 VOL, 4-3 overall) last week in their 6-3 loss to Central Catholic.
“They competed and it’s a well-earned win for them,” Manteca coach Frank Fontana said of Sierra. “We need to find a way to win three-set matches. We are 9-8 in three-setters the past two matches.”
Sierra (3-4) lost its league opener to Manteca 7-2 but now finds itself in the hunt for one of three Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berths.
The Timberwolves No. 3 doubles team of Nick Alonzo and Tej Sandhu kept their team in match with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 comeback win against Spencer Ogden and Jordan Navales.
At No. 3 singles, Jason Machado avenged a previous loss to Nick Pio with his 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-4 triumph. Quentin Banks also win in three, outlasting Harshawn Singh, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. David Martin prevailed 6-4, 6-4 to dispatch Julian Gosal for a second time at the No. 6 spot.
Manteca had little resistance in the four matches it claimed. Reigning singles champion Solman Aniss beat Kayle Banks 6-3, 6-1 in the No. 1 match. Kurtis Ma cruised 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2 singles, while No. 1 doubles Kevin Lin/Ryan Foo (6-1, 6-4) and No. 2 doubles Rav Grewal/Kiersten Melan (6-0, 6-2) also swept.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Ripon Ch. 3, Hilmar 2
HILMAR — Playing its third match in as many nights, Ripon Christian (4-0, 11-2 overall) toughed out a thrilling 18-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-18, 15-13 win at Strom Gym.
It’s an important stretch for the defending Trans-Valley League champion Knights, who travel to second-place Livingston tonight.
“It took us a little bit to get going,” RC coach Kevin Tameling said. “Hilmar is a tough program and was our main competition last year. We know these matches are going to be tight.”
It was almost a sweep favoring the host Yellowjackets (2-2, 13-14), who led midway through the third set before 6-foot-8 outside hitter Cade Alger and the rest of the Knights came alive. Alger led the charge with 26 kills and four blocks.
Middle blocker Braden Van Groningen (15 kills, three blocks), Jacob Van Groningen (14 kills, three assists), Lukas Van Groningen (31 assists, five kills) and Michael Kamps (25 assists) also keyed the win.

SOFTBALL
East Union 11, Kimball 1
The Lancers (3-0, 6-4 overall) busted out for six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to end the VOL contest early via mercy rule at Northgate Softball Complex.
Winning pitcher Shelby Cefalu tallied eight strikeouts while scattering seven hits. She also helped spark the offense, going 3 for 4 with a double, home run and four RBIs. Chloe Agueda also hammered a homer, finishing 4 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs.
Cali Blevins contributed a triple and went 2 for 2. Mackenzie Salgado (double) and Allie Parker (two RBIs) also belted two hits apiece, and the Lancers totaled 16 in the rout.

BOYS GOLF
Johansen 459, Lathrop 547
Low medalist Dylan Sharma shot an even 72 for the Western Athletic Conference Vikings (4-0) at Manteca Park Golf Course.
Luke Marcello’s 84 paced Lathrop (1-3). Sebastian Iniguez (104), Andrew Lam (116), John Wall Jr. (121) and Salvador Reyes (122) round out the Spartans’ score.

JV softball
East Union 6, Kimball 2
Solid defense behind pitcher Emma Smith helped the Lancers (3-0 VOL, 13-2 overall) remain unbeaten in league play.
Smith allowed five hits and helped her own cause with a home run. Heighlee Mosher came through for a bases-clearing double.