LATHROP — Lathrop set a program record with its 25-14, 25-18, 25-15 sweep of Sierra on Monday, but the Spartans are looking to complete the mission in their final year in the Valley Oak League.
Their six league wins surpassed their previous high of five set last season. Lathrop (6-3 VOL, 7-6 overall) is currently in a third-place tie with Central Catholic, its next opponent on Wednesday. Only the top three teams in the VOL qualify for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, and if the Spartans are successful in doing so it will be for the first time in school history.
To achieve this, they’ll have to continue to beat the teams, such as Sierra (0-9, 7-10), below them in the standings.
“I always tell my girls to approach every match and take it seriously,” Lathrop coach Heather Anderson said. “We can’t take anyone lightly. I thought Sierra played very well, but this win puts us in a real important position for when we play Central Catholic on Wednesday.”
Malia Akers shined at the net for Lathrop, finishing with 10 kills and four blocks. Jahsita Fa’alii rapped a match-high 12 kills, while Mary Cotton and Myani Thortnon had four apiece. Thornton also picked up nine digs and three aces.
Karina Chavez led the attack with 36 assists. Harjass Kaur and Krystal Tempra each contributed nine digs.

Sophomore
Sierra 2, Lathrop 0
Lathrop dropped a 23-25, 23-25 heartbreaker.
Charlene Bernal (five kills), Hailey Hunter (16 digs), Nicole Vasconselos (11 assists) and Rylie Asuncion (three blocks) were among the Spartans’ standouts.

Freshman
Sierra 2, Lathrop 1
The visiting Timberwolves pulled it out in a 25-21, 22-25, 17-15 thriller.
Ke’Mya Barnett paced Lathrop with five kills, Erika Menchaca had three kills and five aces and Crispa Ballesteros served nine aces