For Weston Ranch to play its way back into the postseason hunt, it will have to avenge some of its losses from the first-half of Valley Oak League play.

Thursday’s four-game victory (25-21, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18) over visiting Manteca was a good start for the Cougars, who have now won three straight.

A recent shakeup with lineups and positions has helped Weston Ranch (3-5, 7-6 overall) get on its roll. Elisabeth Alexander, one of the team’s top hitters, was more of a passer in Thursday’s rematch with the Buffaloes (3-5, 5-7), finishing with 13 assists. Setter Alex Marapao produced 17 assists to go with 14 digs. Her sister Donna also had 14 digs.

Manteca had no answer for Victoria Gulley, who slugged 14 kills, served six aces and came up with four blocks.

“We changed our lineup four matches ago and they’re looking better and playing with more confidence,” said Weston Ranch coach Chris Bauer.

His Cougars head to Kimball on Monday again with revenge in mind. They opened the VOL schedule with five-game defeats to Kimball and Manteca.



TRANS-VALLEY LEAGUE

Hilmar 3, Ripon 2

The Indians (4-2) almost pulled out their biggest victory of the season at Hilmar (6-0, 25-6). The Yellowjackets squeaked it out, 25-15, 30-28, 23-25, 22-25, 15-10.

Ripon had several players step up in a big way. Paige Goodger led the attack with 23 kills and three aces, and she was aided by Kylie Stevens’ 22 kills. Jourdy Richter set 47 assists, Danny Arteaga racked up 46 digs and Kristen Carhart finished with 10 blocks.



SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Ripon Christian 3, Waterford 0

The Knights (8-0, 10-4) continued to roll in league action Thursday on the road.

Teagan Manus hammered 14 kills and three aces. Andie Shelton provided 20 assists, Amber Hilvers had five blocks, Amanda Evans picked up eight digs.



Sophomore

East Union 2, Sierra 0

Breanna Padua turned in three kills and seven digs for Sierra, which fell 18-25, 17-25 at East Union Wednesday. Megan Westfall contributed six digs and three assists.



For Weston Ranch to play its way back into the postseason hunt, it will have to avenge some of its losses from the first-half of Valley Oak League play.

Thursday’s four-game victory (25-21, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18) over visiting Manteca was a good start for the Cougars, who have now won three straight.

A recent shakeup with lineups and positions has helped Weston Ranch (3-5, 7-6 overall) get on its roll. Elisabeth Alexander, one of the team’s top hitters, was more of a passer in Thursday’s rematch with the Buffaloes (3-5, 5-7), finishing with 13 assists. Setter Alex Marapao produced 17 assists to go with 14 digs. Her sister Donna also had 14 digs.

Manteca had no answer for Victoria Gulley, who slugged 14 kills, served six aces and came up with four blocks.

“We changed our lineup four matches ago and they’re looking better and playing with more confidence,” said Weston Ranch coach Chris Bauer.

His Cougars head to Kimball on Monday again with revenge in mind. They opened the VOL schedule with five-game defeats to Kimball and Manteca.



TRANS-VALLEY LEAGUE

Hilmar 3, Ripon 2

The Indians (4-2) almost pulled out their biggest victory of the season at Hilmar (6-0, 25-6). The Yellowjackets squeaked it out, 25-15, 30-28, 23-25, 22-25, 15-10.

Ripon had several players step up in a big way. Paige Goodger led the attack with 23 kills and three aces, and she was aided by Kylie Stevens’ 22 kills. Jourdy Richter set 47 assists, Danny Arteaga racked up 46 digs and Kristen Carhart finished with 10 blocks.



SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Ripon Christian 3, Waterford 0

The Knights (8-0, 10-4) continued to roll in league action Thursday on the road.

Teagan Manus hammered 14 kills and three aces. Andie Shelton provided 20 assists, Amber Hilvers had five blocks, Amanda Evans picked up eight digs.



Sophomore

East Union 2, Sierra 0

Breanna Padua turned in three kills and seven digs for Sierra, which fell 18-25, 17-25 at East Union Wednesday. Megan Westfall contributed six digs and three assists.