Missing four players, some to health and safety protocols, Lathrop’s girls basketball team tipped off Western Athletics Conference action Tuesday with a 46-36 win over visiting Ceres.

A 15-6 third quarter gave the Spartans (1-0, 12-4 overall) the separation they needed. Isa Paniagua helped make up for the absences by collecting nine points, 11 rebounds and three blocks while coming back from an ankle injury sustained in the Tracy Breakfast Lions/Tom Hawkins Tournament final last week.

Lathrop coach Dwayne Davis said the difference was his team’s defense of Ceres center Mia Rodriguez, who came into the conference opener averaging 15 points. She was limited to five Tuesday.

“The defensive game plan was to keep her detached from the ball and we did a good job of making other players have to score,” Davis said. “The problem for us was we put them on the free-throw line.”

The Bulldogs (0-1, 3-8) were able to stay within range until the final minute by making 14 of 22 free throws.

Sana Sunner (five rebounds) and Tatianna Lowery contributed eight points apiece for Lathrop. Egypt Jenkins registered seven points and 10 rebounds.

Sierra 62, Central Catholic 30

Trailing 13-9 after the first quarter, the Timberwolves (1-0 Valley Oak League, 4-4 overall) picked up their play defensively and shut out the visiting Raiders (0-1, 2-9) from Modesto in the final period.

Grace Langenfeld pumped in 16 points and six rebounds. Briana Parker chimed in with 11 points. Emma Gilmore had nine points and six assists. Brea Vieira had six points and five assists. Sierra was able to take care of the ball in the VOL opener, finishing with just 10 turnovers.

GIRLS SOCCER

Ripon Christian 3, Orestimba 0

Hailey Henderson gave the Knights (2-0, 9-4-1 overall) all the scoring it would need in the third minute of the Southern Athletic League contest in Newman.

Jeane Oosterman doubled the lead in the 10th minute, and Kayla Coker capped scoring on the second half. Addison DeJong, Helia Vander Meulen and Oosterman each had an assist.

Defender Dayna Koolhaas and goalkeeper Tara Heida (five saves) kept the sheet clean.

Manteca 5, Kimball 2

Cami Silva netted the first three goals at Guss Schmiedt Field, and the Buffaloes (3-1 VOL, 10-3 overall) rolled to their fifth straight victory. Caitlynn Wong contributed a goal and an assist. Sienna Jones scored once. Corinne Jones and Isabella Pires each had an assist. Emilee Craighead and Marissa Soza split time at goal, finishing with two and five saves, respectively.

JV girls basketball

Lathrop 66, Ceres 28

Riana Dela Cruz fired a game-high 21 points for the host Spartans. Haven Urbina-Thierry added 12 points, and Navi Kaur had nine.