East Union’s girls volleyball team is on pace for a drastic turnaround from a three-win season.
The Lancers opened Valley Oak League play on Tuesday, working through some early struggles to defeat visiting Kimball in four sets, 23-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-20.
“Kimball had some really tough servers, and it took us a set to adjust,” East Union coach Chelsea Herrera said. “Once they adjusted, they were covering like they should, they were talking to each other and used teamwork to get the win.”
Jaidyn Valencia helped fend off a late charge from Kimball (0-1, 6-5 overall), coming through with some clutch kills. Sophomore Baylee Spencer also made key plays defensively in the back row and at the net.
Overall, Savannah Lebarre amassed 29 kills and nine digs, while setter Alexus Surnip added 40 assists and three kills.
Miekayla Surnip contributed 12 kills, 10 digs and three aces. Valencia finished with seven kills, two blocks and five digs.
East Union (1-0, 5-2) travels to Weston Ranch on Thursday.

Lathrop 3, Pacheco 0
LOS BANOS — The Spartans (2-0, 5-2) will find out soon where they stand in the Western Athletic Conference after beating Pacheco 25-15, 25-15, 25-16.
On Thursday, they’ll host early favorite Beyer (2-0, 10-5) of Modesto for a match that could have title implications.
Lathrop had its way with Pacheco (0-2, 2-10) in the tune-up. Jahsita Fa’alii rung up eight kills and five aces, Avleen Kaur had six kills and six aces and Jordan Corner tallied three kills and four aces. Karina Chavez chipped in 15 assists and six aces.
 
Ripon Christian 3, Waterford 0
WATERFORD — The Knights (1-0, 3-3) snapped a three-match skid while opening Southern Athletic League play with a 25-16, 25-18, 25-10 win.
Makenzie Miller and Emily Van Groningen blasted 10 kills apiece to highlight the attack, while Taylor Alger handed out 18 assists. Morgan Van Elderen contributed five kills and 10 assisgs.
Lauren Braga and Renae Heida paced the defense with seven and five digs, respectively.

Junior varsity
Lathrop 2, Pacheco 0
LOS BANOS — Sydney Hanks fired five kills to help the Spartans (2-0, 4-3) coast to a 25-14, 25-13 win.
Ke’mya Barnett contributed three kills and an ace. Hailey Hunter tallied 11 assists and three aces.

Freshman
Lathrop 2, Pacheco 0
LOS BANOS — Lathrop (1-1, 2-4) claimed its first conference victory, 25-18, 25-17,
Isabella Gomez led the way with four kills and six aces. Lylliana Avila tallied three kills and five digs. Natalie Sayasane dished out five assists.