Jose Gonzalez recorded a hat trick, while Ayden Akca amassed two goals and two assists to lead Sierra’s boys basketball team to an 8-2 thrashing of winless Central Catholic in Modesto. It was the Valley Oak League opener for both teams.

The Timberwolves (1-0 VOL, 2-5 overall), who ended a four-match slide, broke through offensively in the second half with seven goals. They came into the contest with just six goals all season.

Neddy Ramos contributed to the onslaught with a goal and three assists. Preston Gallegos and Gerardo Luviano chipped in one goal apiece. Diego Trujillo had an assist.

Sierra plays host to rival Manteca on Thursday.

Pacheco 1, Lathrop 0

Ravaged by injuries to their back line, the host Spartans (8-3-1) kicked off Western Athletic Conference play and suffered their third loss in four games.

Pacheco (3-2-2) earned a penalty kick and converted in the second half after a player was fouled in transition. Lathrop was without senior center back Eduardo Torres and left back Jonathan Martinez.

Standout midfielder Alan Hernandez played just his third game with the team but was slowed by a sprained ankle.

Lathrop was still able to create scoring chances but could not put any away. Goalkeeper Julian Ceja came up with five saves.

VARSITY GIRLS

Lathrop 1, Pacheco 1

The Spartans (1-5-1) were able to salvage a point on the road thanks to Ely Fernandez’s goal assisted by Janeese Romo.

They host Grace Davis at Woodward Park in Manteca on Thursday.

Junior varsity boys

Sierra 3, Central Catholic 1

Ryan Serratos highlighted the Sierra attack with a brace.

Anthony Casillas scored the other goal. Devron Akca, Jordan Murrieta and Aiden Noguez each had an assist.

Pacheco 2, Lathrop 0

After giving up two first-half goals, Lathrop was unable to take advantage after drawing a red-card foul early in the second half.