Coming off back-to-back sweeps of Manteca Unified rivals Lathrop and Weston Ranch, East Union looked prime to close it out in three against visiting Central Valley Monday at Dalben Center.

The Lancers took the first game by a one-sided 25-15 margin, but dropped the next three (13-25, 20-25, 20-25) to fall to 5-5 in Valley Oak League play.

Amber Abidi and Haley Hoffandahl led East Union with six kills apiece, and Giana Hedin had six aces and nine assists.

“Courtney Palmer and Amber Abidi did an excellent job tonight,” East Union coach Eryn Bowers said. “The girls have to finish it when we are in the lead and not relax.”

Ceres 3, Manteca 0
At Winter Gym, the undermanned Buffaloes (3-6, 14-18 overall), suffering from injuries and illnesses to key players, had trouble keeping up with Ceres’ 6-foot-2 middle blocker, Jamie Beck. Manteca fell 20-25, 15-25, 17-25.

Dallas Mould led Manteca with four kills and two blocks. Chellsee Lee and Tara Dadasovich each turned in three aces. Dadasovich also handed out eight assists, while Abigail Rosas paced the back row with 10 digs.

“We just weren’t firing on all cylinders,” Manteca coach Tim Horning said. “We tried changing up our strategy and shifted the defense to defend their big girl, but we weren’t executing.”

Oakdale 3, Lathrop 0
In Lathrop, the Spartans (0-10) were simply outmatched by powerful Oakdale, which cruised 25-16, 25-12, 25-10.

Cecelia Lopez hammered six kills to lead the offense, and Janelle Butler contributed five kills and 19 assists. Brittney Rallios chipped in with 18 digs.

Sonora 3, Weston Ranch 0

At Weston Ranch, the VOL-leading Wildcats won handily 25-9, 25-3, 25-13.

DeArbia Gardner finished with three kills for Weston Ranch (1-9, 1-14), and Sidney Carter turned in two blocks. Andrea Vega and Susana Diaz picked up three digs apiece.

Hanah Blume spearheaded Sonora (10-0, 24-6) with nine kills, seven digs, 13 assists and a block.

Manteca 2, Ceres 1
At Winter Gym, Jessica Reeder led the Buffaloes’ come-from-behind victory (19-25, 25-26, 15-11) with 18 assists and seven aces.

Mia Ramirez chipped in with four kills and seven service points, three of which were aces. Myklyn Balmut and Erin Kennedy also had seven points and three aces each, and Jimi Guibor led the front line with six kills.

Manteca improved to 6-3 in the VOL, and 9-4 overall.

East Union 2, Central Valley 0
At Dalben Center, setter Kristen Piasecki recorded six digs, six assists and a block as the Squires coasted to a 25-23, 25-12 sweep.

Lauren Ferguson contributed four kills, and Megan Bautista served four aces.

Oakdale 2, Lathrop 0
In Lathrop, Mata Aliifua posted nine blocks, and Marissa Elliot added six for the Spartans in the 15-25, 13-25 defeat.