The Manteca High volleyball team appeared to be well on its way to beating visiting Lathrop Monday in Valley Oak League action.

After dominating the second and third games, the Buffaloes accounted for the first six points in the fourth.

Lathrop ended up prevailing in a five-game thriller — 25-19, 13-25, 10-25, 25-21, 17-15.

“We played very well and cut down on our errors in the second and third games,” Manteca coach Tim Horning said. “We held them to 23 points in two sets. Going into that fourth game I told them not to get too confident, but I could see it in their body language that they thought we had it all wrapped up.”

Lathrop (2-4) was led by Loreal Taylor’s 14 kills, Cherubine Consul’s 20 digs and Monica Brambilla’s three aces. Stephanie Maduli added 16 digs.

Julia Martinez drubbed 17 kills while coming up with three blocks for the Buffaloes (2-4, 5-6). Ashley Gase finished with 28 assists, Nicole Magnusson picked up 14 digs and Morgan Miramontes recorded five aces.

“We had our opportunities, but mental mistakes cost us the match,” Hornign said. “Good teams find ways to bounce back, so we’re going to have to prove ourselves against Kimball on Wednesday.”



Sonora 3, East Union 0

In Sonora, the Lancers (2-5, 5-8) had a chance to extend the match against first-place Sonora (6-0, 15-5) nursing a 21-19 lead in the third game. They ended up falling 12-25, 7-25, 22-25.

East Union had just six total kills, with Alexis Steele accounting for two of them. Kayla Lamont posted seven digs, and Madison Hoffman collected seven service points.



Oakdale 3, Weston Ranch 0

The host Cougars (2-5, 3-8) competed better than the final scores (11-25, 15-25, 17-25) indicate, said coach Chris Bauer.

Leading the way were Candisse Griffin (4 kills), Aoloni Etu (5 aces, 13 assists), Nikki Rayray (22 digs) and Alex Marapao (18 digs).

“We improved every single game,” Bauer said. “We made some adjustments and the kids picked up on it pretty well. We had no problem (getting sideouts), we just couldn’t hold onto our serve when we got it.”



Sophomore

Weston Ranch 2, Oakdale 0

Victoria Gulley slapped down nine kills to anchor the attack for Weston Ranch. Games scores were 25-22, 25-18.

It was the first win for the Cougars (6-1, 9-2) over Oakdale at any level, and they could be locked in a three-way tie for first if the Mustangs take care of undefeated Sonora on Wednesday.

Elizabeth Alexander contributed three blocks, Kiara Stanifer dished out six assists and Kelli Laughlin turned in six digs and two aces.



Kimball 2, Sierra 1

The Timberwolves fell 13-25, 25-13, 12-15 in Tracy.

Morgan Willis recorded three aces and five digs. Kristen Maestretti and Olivia Higby paced the attack with four and three kills, respectively.



Freshman

East Union 2, Sonora 1

The Pages improved to 6-1 in league play following their 18-25, 25-21, 15-13 comeback victory.

Aiko Jones led the back row with 10 digs, while Michelle Castro came through with a pair of blocks.



Sierra 2, Kimball 0

Jenny Anderson highlighted a 25-21, 25-17 win with seven kills, four aces and a block.

Briana Padua served up eight points (one ace) to go with four kills. Annikka Berg added four assists, one kill and six service points.