In what has been a trying season for Sierra, the Timberwolves have good reason to feel validated after knocking off the Valley Oak League leader on Thursday.
They stunned title hopeful Manteca 25-23, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22 at home, just two nights after coming up short in a five-set loss to defending league champion Central Catholic for a second time.
“It feels so nice, because I know that our team is really good,” Hannah Threet said. “It’s been a little bit rough, because we’ve had a lot of challenges, but I’m really proud of my team for pulling this one out.”
Sierra’s junior outside hitter led all players with 19 kills, oftentimes coming up with a scoring spike when her team needed it. The last of her kills gave the Timberwolves (3-5 VOL, 4-15 overall) match point, and they clinched on a hitting error from Manteca (6-2, 9-7).
Sierra had to forfeit several non-league matches for using an ineligible player and has had to adjust without her. It finally started to click for the T’wolves this week, culminating in their signature victory of the season, so far.
With Threet leading the charge, they’ve used a strength-in-numbers approach to be competitive. Bella Lee (five kills, nine blocks), Angelica Arenas (four kills, 10 blocks), Luna Lopez (three kills, four blocks), Danett Cesante (three kills, two blocks) and sophomore Scarlett Robertson (three kills, block) each made important contributions at the net Thursday. Robertson has been elevated from the JV team to bolster the front row after Sierra lost the ineligible player.
“We’re pretty versatile,” Threet said. “We’ve had a lot of challenges, but we’re able to mix things up and try new things so that our team can be successful.”
Setters Cianna Leonardo (20 assists, eight digs, five aces, 11 service points) and Gurjaap Kaur (eight assists, two kills, five digs, seven aces, 14 service points) were also key with their all-around play.
Libero Amari Currey paced the defense with 12 digs, while Ellis Denny and Threet each contributed five.
The Timberwolves also capitalized on Manteca’s struggles in serve receive, totaling 29 aces.
It was overall a much different outcome than the previous meeting between the cross-town foes. Last month, the Buffaloes swept Sierra with little resistance. Manteca, however, has been missing its top hitter Taimane Tu’uga, who is out with an ankle injury.
“It’s a good league this year, and it’s a battle between all of us,” Manteca coach Robin Chandler said. “You just never know when one team is going to be on one night, and obviously, we’re going to be off on some nights. It was a little frustrating; we have a lot to work on. Not to take anything away from them; I thought they played great, but we definitely did not play our best today.”
Manteca was led by Saniyah Anthony’s 10 kills and 13 digs. Trinity Todd had 11 kills and six blocks. Talia Shellbourne added nine kills and five digs. Ariceli McBroom amassed five kills, 10 digs and five aces. Setter Riley Ward collected 26 assists, 10 digs and three kills. Peyton McDonald picked up 18 digs.
Manteca won’t play another league match until after the fall break and travels to Central Catholic on Oct. 13. Sierra goes to Patterson next Tuesday.
