The Valley Oak League’s defending girls tennis champion finally met its match.

Manteca High staved off visiting Oakdale 5-4 in a first-place battle Tuesday, getting all of its points from its singles players. The Buffaloes cap the first half of the VOL season with a 7-0 record (10-3 overall).

Two of the singles matches went to a third set, as did one doubles contest. It truly could have swung either way.

Liz Diaz downed Oakdale’s Christine Kim 5-7, 6-1, 6-0 in the showdown of No. 1s. The Mustangs earned their lone singles point in the No. 2 match, where Christine Winders edged Sealy McAdams 7-6 (7-5), 7-5. Manteca No. 4 player Julia Saling knocked off Sabrina Richardson in three, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.

Elizabeth Tolbert (6-3, 6-3), Fechi Nkwocha (6-2, 6-3) and Allison Rachels (6-2, 6-1) won in straight sets for the Buffaloes.

Haylee Both and Kaitlyn Hoyer dropped the three-set doubles match, falling to Carley Newbill and Quinn Gagos, 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 4-6. Oakdale claimed the No. 1 (7-5, 6-3) and 2 (6-3, 6-2) doubles contests.


Kimball 6, Sierra 3

The Timberwolves dropped a tightly-contested match Tuesday.

Anna Cardenas cruised to a 6-1, 6-4 win in the No. 1 singles match, while No. 3 Simran Thind posted a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Annie Banks (5-7, 5-7), Claire Banks (3-6, 6-1, 3-6) and Megan Carbiener (5-7, 4-6) were on the short end of competitive encounters.

Sierra’s No. 3 doubles tandem of Kelly Bacon and Samantha Jermanon prevailed 6-2, 6-1 for the team’s other point.


Weston Ranch 9, Lathrop 0

The Cougars (3-4) visited Lathrop and produced a shutout, but it wasn’t as dominant an effort as it would seem, said Weston Ranch coach Ron Bylow.

“Lathrop is a lot more competitive this year and their top four singles players made our ladies work hard for their victories,” he said.

Weston Ranch’s Delarine Barut defeated Jaynah Palma in the competitive No. 1 singles match. Kazova Vang also squeaked out a two-set win 7-5, 6-4 against Jenna Magaoay at No 3 singles.

Danica Ramos (6-1, 6-1), Preet Kaur (6-1, 6-4), Yesenia Reynoso (6-1, 6-3) and Melissa Outama (6-0, 6-0) also contributed for the Cougars.

Christine Novoa and Amy Vang won 6-2, 6-1 in doubles action. Kim Valladeres and Hasmeen Sembhi prevailed, 6-0, 6-2. The shortened No. 3 match was won by Mary Vang and April Vang, 6-2.

On Monday


Manteca 9, Sonora 0

It was thorough domination for Manteca, which lost a total of four games in nine matches. Ashley Tarrango defeated Brandi Kleier 8-2 in an exhibition.