It didn’t take long for Sierra’s girls soccer team to overcome an entire half of lackluster play Wednesday at East Union.
The four-time reigning Valley Oak League champion scored the tying and go-ahead goals in the first six minutes of the second half and rolled past its rival Lancers, 6-1.
“East Union was the better team,” Sierra coach Manuel Pires said of the first half. “They were better prepared and they took it to us. We were able to recover in the second half and I’m glad we did. It’s always a challenge to go to EU and get out of there with a win.”
Jenna Villanueva knotted it up in the 44th minute off an assist from Zoe Willson, and it was the first of her two goals for Sierra (11-0 VOL, 21-0 overall). Two minutes later, Nicole Martin put away a deflected shot from Tiana Cello and the rout was on.
Cello finished with two goals and two assists, while Jenna Castro had one of each. Michaela Bitle played the first 74 minutes at goal and turned in seven saves.
East Union (6-5, 8-9-2) surprised the Timberwolves at the outset by placing its three core players — Taylor Campbell, Taylor McMahon and Hailey Sims — at center midfield spots. Campbell helped set up Thania Valencia’s early goal with a header into the goal area.
“I thought we dominated the whole first half,” East Union coach Carlos Gaspar said. “We were out-possessing them, communicating and moving the ball around. We were able to take the middle away, and Sierra is really good in the middle.
“Unfortunately, we made some costly mistakes early in the second half. Sierra is a great team, and when you make a mistake they capitalize.”
East Union keeper Kylie Mendez finished with five saves.

Manteca 12, Weston Ranch 0
It was all Buffaloes (7-2-1, 16-2-3) in their annual Kicking for a Cure contest against Weston Ranch. This year’s proceeds benefit Woodward Elementary School student Miles Lima and his family.
Kaylee Gines and Jenna Poncini both registered a hat trick. Ashleen Kalar, Kaley Miller and Cameron Silva each had a goal and an assist. Isabella Avila, Aleah Melendez and Caitlynn Wong added a goal apiece. MaryAnne Bueno and Jordyn Silva each handed out two assists.

Lathrop 1, Grace Davis 0
MODESTO — Aryana Jones’ goal was the difference for Lathrop (3-5-3, 4-15-3 overall) in the Western Athletic Conference match.

BOYS HOOPS
Lathrop 67, Grace Davis 29
A piece of the WAC championship is now in reach for Lathrop (9-2, 17-6 overall) in part because of its blowout win against struggling Grace Davis (0-11, 5-20).
The Spartans can force a three-way tie at the top on Friday with a win over visiting Mountain House, which defeated Beyer 60-50 on Wednesday to avenge an earlier defeat.
Lathrop shot out to a 33-9 halftime lead and had 10 different players score. Jaylen Bagby led the balanced effort with 13 points, and Walton Whaley pitched in 11.

JV girls soccer
Sierra 3, East Union 1
Presley Perez, Nathalya Yamamoto and Jenni Nassayan scored for the Timberwolves (9-1-1 VOL).