LATHROP — Tyler Riggleman remembered when Lathrop High first introduced boys volleyball.
"There was hardly anyone at our home games," he said Thursday after his team handily disposed of visiting Los Banos in three games, 25-8, 25-17, 25-12.
He was thrilled to see the fan support following his game-high 13-kill outing. "This is way different than three years ago," Riggleman said.
As leaders of the Western Athletic Conference, the Spartans (3-0, 11-0) remained unbeaten for the season.
"A win's a win," said Lathrop coach Heather Anderson, who believed her team should have played much better, in particular, the second game of the sweep.
The Spartans displayed their dominance early on against the Tigers (0-3), jumping out to a 6-0 lead in the opener thanks in part to Adrian Corona's three kills, Rael Carmesis' serving ace, and Riggleman's block.
"We look at every team as our equals," said Riggleman. "Our plan is to play as hard as we can (to start the game)."
Lathrop increased that lead, 16-6, on a pair of aces by Corona coupled with a block and kill by Gabriel Gutierrez.
The finishing touches were provided by Sergio Tapia (two aces), Riggleman (two kills), Gutierrez (kill), and Ysrael Gutierrez (block).
The Spartans started the second game by committing several unforced errors — they made up for some of those miscues with a pair of aces served up by Corona and a couple of kills compliments of Gabriel Gutierrez.
Lathrop slowly pulled away while keeping Los Banos in check on several spikes by Riggleman.
The Tigers had their best run early in the third game. Bradley Roberts served up an ace and delivered on a kill while Isaiah Cervantes and Nick Campbell contributed with blocks.
But that wasn't enough to hold back the onslaught by the Spartans.
Gabriel Gutierrez set up Ysrael Gutierrez, who delivered the kill — he also served three straight aces at one point in the game.
Tapia later delivered a game-ending ace.
Carmesis had 29 assists along with two aces for Lathrop in those three games.
Gabriel Gutierrez chipped in with 12 kills and an ace, Corona had six kills and four aces, and Ysrael Gutierrez contributed with three kills and three aces.

Junior varsity
Lathrop 2, Los Banos 1
Tory Sumbler recorded 19 assists and three aces in the Spartans' win over the Tigers.
Lathrop lost the opener but came back to take the match, 16-25, 25-15, 15-8.
Kyle Constantino had nine kills and five digs while Arman John added eight kills, three aces and nine digs.
Christopher Millan added three kills and a dig for the Spartans.