A strong defensive effort buoyed the Lathrop girls basketball team’s first Valley Oak League win of the season Friday when the Spartans toppled visiting Central Catholic, 33-29.

Lathrop (1-1 VOL, 6-9 overall) limited the Raiders (0-2, 6-10) to seven points in the first and fourth quarters combined. The key was slowing Central sophomore Danielle Friedrich, who led all scorers with 15 points.

“Our defense was the difference,” Lathrop coach Dwayne Davis said. “We hounded Friedrich with both Danya and Terrina Phillips and she missed her last five or so shots.”

Danya Phillips also did the job offensively, pacing the Spartans with 14 points. Lauren Collins added 11. Lathrop trailed by a point after the second and third quarters but outscored CC 8-3 in the fourth.

“We ran hot and cold in the first half,” Davis said. “In the second half we bore down and played defense to get in our transition game and get easy buckets.”



BOYS

Ripon 70, Orestimba 43

In Newman, the Indians (8-7) used a 27-point second quarter and cruised from there against 3-14 Orestimba. They led 39-21 at halftime.

Aaron Paschini led the charge with 19 points, Mario Roach added 17 and Cole Stevens finished with 14.  Ripon heads to Livingston next Wednesday for its final nonleague tune-up.



El Camino 63,
Ripon Christian 55

The Eagles (8-7) of Sacramento spoiled Ripon Christian’s winter homecoming festivities Friday night. The Knights (9-4), who have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season, were ahead 26-22 at halftime but outscored 21-13 in the third quarter.

Sean Broker registered 19 points for Ripon Christian, while Travis Vander Molen contributed 15. The team looks to head into Trans-Valley League action with some momentum in its non-league finale Monday at Atwater.



Sophomore girls

Ripon Christian 49,
Lodi 35

On Thursday, Kelly Engel buried four 3-pointers and headed a balanced scoring effort with 16 points.

Lyndsey Van Groningen turned in nine points and 12 rebounds. Molly Hoeksema and Beth Weststeyn each pitched in eight points.



Lathrop 33,
Central Catholic 29

Shelia Mertilen and Julianne Justo accounted for 12 and 11 points, respectively, in the Spartans’ victory.