LATHROP — After clinging close through a first-game loss, Sierra High would eventually drop the next two in one-sided fashion in a 25-18, 25-18 and 25-10 Valley Oak League loss Wednesday to the Lathrop Spartans.

Lathrop showed no signs of struggling with Sierra, getting out to comfortable leads in both of the first two games. The third game Sierra seemingly responded early, finding itself closely linked with Lathrop at 8-7. The Timberwolves would get no closer, dropping 12 of the next 14 points on their way to the loss.

“We didn’t work as a team at all,” Sierra senior Gabby Olmo said. “We have a lot of stuff to work on over the next few days.”

Lathrop flexed its muscle early, jumping out on the Timberwolves 10-3 in the first game. Jocelyn Aranda (seven kills) was clicking from the start, pounding home three kills and dishing out a pair of aces in a solid Lathrop opening.

“We wanted to work as a team so we could come out here and get stuff done,” Aranda said. “We played well and took care of the game. I felt like the team was doing a lot of talking and doing a good job of working together.”

The Spartans got contributions from all over the court, with both Monica Brambila and Stephanie Maduli handing out three aces apiece. Marissa Elliot smashed home four kills and also had an ace. Middle-blocker Loreal Taylor was instrumental for Lathrop at the net, turning away points with seven blocks and getting a pair of kills.

“Our strength is actually our team work,” Lathrop head coach Diana Kimbrough said. “Our front row girls actually feed off each other and that energy that comes around goes full circle. The girls that are up front dominating for us, feed of the other girls as well. “

Lathrop will likely get its most stern test of the VOL season Tuesday when they travel to Sonora to take on the Wildcats. Sierra will try and get things figured out when they host the Manteca Buffaloes.

Sophomore

Lathrop 2, Sierra 0

The Spartans knocked off the visiting Sierra Timberwolves Wednesday in a 25-19, 25-22 VOL win.

Lucia Santos led the way for Sierra with two aces and five digs.

Desiree Mendola and Callia Linnell-Morals had eight kills apiece for the Spartans.

Freshman

Sierra 2, Lathrop 0

The Timberwolves put together a 25-12, 26-24 victory Wednesday over Lathrop High.

Natalie Garcia led the team by pulling out six digs, while Megan Westfall contributed 10 aces, three digs and a kill.