OAKDALE — Following a successful run in the Tracy Breakfast Lions Tournament, East Union’s girls basketball team showed no signs of slowing down Thursday when the Lancers tipped off the Valley Oak League season.
Spearheaded by freshman Taylor Snaer’s 23 points and a hot shooting night all-around, East Union vanquished Oakdale, 79-50.
“When you have a young team like this it’s always a concern opening (league) on the road,” East Union coach Jim Agostini said. “We came out and shot the ball well, and to do it on the road is very positive.”
The Lancers (1-0 VOL, 13-3 overall), who finished as runners-up to San Joaquin Athletic Association contender Edison in Tracy, knocked down 10 3-pointers while making 11 of 14 from the free-throw line against Oakdale. They hit four from behind the arc in each of the second and third quarters.
A 28-point onslaught in the second gave East Union a 48-26 halftime lead.
The Lancers had four players in double figures, including Lani Tu’uga (15 points), Ala Tu’uga (12) and Kyshanti King (10). Danielle James chimed in with nine. Alicia Platt registered 16 points for the Mustangs (0-1, 10-3).

Kimball 60, Sierra 43
TRACY — The reigning VOL co-champion Jaguars (1-0, 13-4) jumped out to an 8-0 lead at the start and fended off a second-half comeback from Sierra (0-1, 12-5) before racing away.
The Timberwolves cut the deficit to two at one point in the third quarter. Brianna Parker and Marci Chaparro tallied 13 points apiece.

Weston Ranch 39, Stagg 20
With a bye to start league play, Weston Ranch (9-5) easily won Thursday’s tune-up against a team it had previously beaten far more convincingly.
“We were solid defensively, even though we struggled offensively,” Cougars coach Mike Williams said. “Defense kept the game right where it have been.”
His team routed the Stagg (4-11) 59-20 in the first round of the Delta Queens’ own tournament last month. The Cougars jumped out to a 24-8 halftime lead on Thursday.
Darnaysha Huff led the defensive effort with 11 rebounds and six blocks. Lea’zae Smith produced a team-high nine points with five steals and three rebounds. Jennalyn Laminero added eight points, seven rebounds, five steals and five assists. Weston Ranch begins its VOL schedule Saturday at Kimball.

BOYS HOOPS
Central Catholic 78, Manteca 39
MODESTO — The Buffaloes (0-1 VOL, 6-9) were burned by 13 3-pointers and a 29-point outburst from senior point guard Dayton Magana, who made seven from beyond the arc.
Manteca struggled in all facets, allowing 15 offensive rebounds and committing 21 turnovers. Jordan Burciaga and Nick Bell scored 13 and 10 points, respectively. Bobby Martin contributed eight points in his debut for the Buffaloes — the junior guard who arrives from St. Mary’s sat out the first month because of CIF transfer rules.
“They were just way more prepared,” Manteca coach Jason Hitt said. “You can see the chemistry they’ve built through the years. We haven’t beaten Central in three years, so we have a lot of work to do.”

BOYS SOCCER
East Union 1, Liberty Ranch 0
GALT — Gabriel Gutierrez’s goal, assisted by Cristian Perez, was the difference for East Union (3-2-6) in its non-league win over the powerhouse Hawks (3-2). Marco Galvan had one save in the shutout.