MODESTO — Outgunned in its first meeting with Western Athletic Conference frontrunner Beyer, Lathrop proved to be no pushover in the rematch on Tuesday.
The Spartans are now in the running for their first-ever league championship after churning out a 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19 upset.
“We went in with the mentality that we’ve got nothing to lose, and I think all of our girls really stepped up,” Lathrop coach Heather Anderson said. “It was an emotionally-draining match.”
While Jahsita Fa’alii helped carry the load on the attack, Anderson said it was Jordan Corner’s play that helped set the tone for Lathrop (9-1 WAC, 12-4 overall). She played a key role in the back row, and it was the Spartans’ scrappiness that allowed them to mount a commanding 20-13 lead in the clinching fourth set.
“Last time they served Jordan really tough and she struggled,” Anderson said. “Tonight, she said she wanted them to serve to her. She was aggressive and on point in serve receive, and that was huge for us. Last time they were able to capitalize on our weaknesses, and tonight we didn’t want them to do that.”
As for Fa’ali, she crushed 30 kills and had only five hitting errors on her dominant effort. She also had 24 digs. The 5-foot-9 junior outside hitter was still able to leave her mark against a towering front line that includes 6-1 sophomore standout Olivia Keller for Beyer (9-1, 21-9).
“She doesn’t have the height that all the top players do at her position, but she’s incredibly smart and reads the court well,” Anderson said. “She sees the other team’s defense and mixes up where she hits the ball and the speeds. It’s just tough to defend.”
Karina Chavez amassed 43 digs, Krystal Tempra collected 31 digs, Avleen Kaur contributed seven kills and Corner finished with seven kills and six digs.
Lathrop has a favorable stretch to end the regular season, but its four remaining opponents are vying for one of three postseason berths.
“Tonight, we’ll celebrate, but we’re going back to work tomorrow,” Anderson said. “It’s not over yet. We put ourselves in a good position, but we have to continue to play hard and not underestimate anyone.”

Manteca 3, Sierra 0
The Buffaloes (7-1, 15-4) dominated from start to finish 25-4, 25-8, 25-8 in their tune-up for Thursday’s Valley Oak League showdown at first-place Central Catholic.
“We’re just trying to get better each time out and hopefully be prepared for those moments as they come,” Manteca coach Kevin Bolding said. “It’s not so much about who we’re playing, but more about concentrating on us getting better on our side of the net.”
Kaitlyn Morenzone led Manteca with a triple-double — 11 kills, 16 assists and 10 digs to go with 12 service points. Kacy Bolding added seven kills, 16 assists, 10 digs, 11 points and two aces.
Julia Moreno (eight kills), Karlie Spohn (six kills), Abbey Kadillak (16 digs), Olga Perez (eight digs), Therese Ferral (five digs) and JV call-up Kyaira Jacobs (five digs) were other contributors.

Ripon Christian 3, Denair 1
DENAIR — Ripon Christian (8-1, 13-7) coasted to a 25-12, 25-15, 25-6 victory to keep pace with Southern League-leading Le Grand, which visits the Knights on Oct. 9.
Makenzie Miller led the way with seven kills and three aces. Emily Van Groningen served six aces. Taylor Alger added eight assists, two digs and two aces. Renae Heida and Taylor Anema hit six and five kills, respectively. Lauren Braga was the dig leader with four.

Junior varsity
Manteca 2, Sierra 0
Kim Yu recorded five kills and 11 service points to help Manteca (5-3 VOL, 13-5 overall) prevail, 25-4, 25-19.
Ari Chandler handed out 12 assists. Hannah Ender and Katelyn Gross each had four kills.

Lathrop 2, Beyer 0
MODESTO — The Spartans (10-0, 14-3 overall) clutched up for a 25-22, 28-26 win to remain on pace for the outright title in the WAC.
Anahy Serrano tallied 11 assists and four aces, while Charlene Bernal and Ke’mya Barnett fired four kills apiece.

East Union 2, Central Catholic 0
The Lancers swept the Raiders 25-13, 25-22 on Monday night.
Dannielle James tallied 15 service points along with five aces, four assists and a kill. Leilani Viloria added four kills, Nicole Blair served three aces and Jessi Lopez picked up four digs.

Freshman
Manteca 2, Sierra 0
Manteca upended its visiting crosstown rival, 25-10, 25-13.
Buffaloes standouts included Alyson Schneider (six kills, two digs), Caitlynn Wong (nine points, four aces, two kills), Ariana Lowery (six digs, four aces), Camrenne Genilla (four kills) and Christine Rease (two kills, two blocks).

Beyer 2, Lathrop 0
MODESTO — Lathrop (4-5, 5-9) came up short, 15-25, 12-25.
Thracylie Acoba (five digs), Samreen Bal (two kills, ace) and Arianna Bringas (three assists) were the Spartans’ top contributors.