Sierra High’s boys track and field team had to truly early its Valley Oak League championship, and it ended the regular season undefeated with a 78-57 win against a talented Weston Ranch contingent Thursday at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
The varsity girls coasted to a 118-7 victory to finish 5-2. Sierra’s frosh-soph boys are also league champs with a 6-0-1 record, and the girls wound up at 6-1.
“All four of our teams have worked hard all season and they come to compete at a high level every meet,” Sierra coach Ezequiel Ruiz said. “To have four teams with winning records is not an easy task, especially in the VOL, but we had a great group this year that loved to compete and rose to the challenge. We had a good run this year and now it’s time to get ready for the postseason.”
Kyle Wesley picked up wins in the 100, 200 and long jump to pace Sierra’s varsity boys. Bikram Thiara doubled in the hurdle events, and Jesse Hurtado took first in the 800 and 1,600. Alisia Rutledge (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles) was Sierra’s lone multi-event winner.
In the lower levels, Erick Enriquez placed first in the mile and two-mule runs as Sierra’s boys rolled, 93-30. The girls team won 65-20 behind Laica Marte’s victories in the 200 and 400.
SOCCER
Ripon 4, Hilmar 2
HILMAR — The Indians (9-1, 16-5 overall) inched closer to a second-straight Trans-Valley League championship after rallying past third-place Hilmar. Ripon can clinch it with a tie or a win against struggling Riverbank on senior night next Tuesday.
Hilmar and Ripon traded blows at the start, with the host Yellowjackets (6-2-1, 9-7-1) striking in the first minute on Juliann Machado’s long-range shot.
Ripon answered with goals from Haley Simmons and Haley Monroe in the fourth and 15th minutes, respectively. Isabella Helppie gave the Indians the lead for good in the 34th minute, and Cindy Alvarez punched in the insurance goal in the second half. Alayna Swilley contributed two assists.
SOFTBALL
Manteca 21,
Weston Ranch 0
Haighley Kissee struck out eight in a five-inning two-hitter for the Manteca (8-5 VOL, 14-8 overall), and she added two doubles and three RBIs on offense.
Tawny Deerinck drove in four runs and was one of four Buffaloes to finish with two hits. Aryanna Martinez contributed a home run.
Waterford 9,
Ripon Christian 1
RIPON — Bethany Silveira rapped out a hit and plated the lone run for Ripon Christian (3-8 Southern League, 6-12-1 overall), while Waterford ace pitcher Kaytlin Donaldson racked up 14 strikeouts.
GOLF
East Union 215,
Oakdale 225
OAKDALE — East Union (12-2) gave itself a puncher’s chance to steal a share of the VOL title after holding off the Mustangs at Oakdale Golf & Country Club. The Lancers will have to win the league tournament Monday at Saddle Creek Golf Resort to force a tie with undefeated Central Catholic.
Mike Lozano led the way Thursday with a 3-over 39. Manuel Telles (41), Trevor Baum (42), Clayton Dorland (47) and Ryan Lee (47) followed.
Greg Wikhof carded a 42 to pace Oakdale (10-4).
Ripon 181,
Mountain House 230
RIPON — The Indians (11-1) cap the regular season as the top team in the TVL. The league tournament is on Monday at Diablo Grande.
Connor Larkin finished even-par 31 at Jack Tone Golf Course. Luis Candido was the runner-up with a 33. Justin Brito (37), Rhet Herrin (38) and Garrett Avila (41) also contributed. Mountain House was led by Grant Hrdlicka’s 39.
Freshman baseball
Central Catholic 7,
East Union 6
MODESTO — East Union (8-2 VOL, 12-5 overall) dropped its second loss in league .
Daniel Ruiz was 2 for 3 with a homer, two RBIs and three runs. Andrew Mount also had two hits, and Tyres Harper chipped in with an RBI double.
