Sierra’s girls cross country team has raced out to an early lead in the Valley Oak League, outpointing three opponents in the first cluster meet of the season Wednesday at Mistlin Sports Complex.

Mikayla Bueno led the way for the Timberwolves, finishing second in 20 minutes, 34.5 seconds. Oakdale sophomore Bradie Evans won in 20:25.1.

Oakdale dominated the boys race, getting the top three placers with Omar Alsaidi (15:52.5) spearheading the group. Christian Gonzalez of Sierra was the top male runner from the area, as he came in fifth place in 16:08.6.

Sierra’s girls had four top-10 placers in all. Backing up Bueno were fifth-place Monse Saavedra (21:09.8), seventh-place Haley Hill (21:13.1) and ninth-place Kiana Kutch (21:53.2). Serena Dittman (14th, 23:04.7) rounded out scoring for the T’wolves.

East Union senior Linda Medrano is another notable female performer from the area, as she took fifth in 21:05.9.

Oscar Angel was the highest placer for Manteca, finishing sixth in 16:13.1 in the boys race.  

At the frosh-soph level, East Union’s Alexander Alvarado (third, 12:09.7) and Sierra’s Anthony Bueno (fourth, 12:10.1) were local standouts in the boys competition, while Sierra’s Mackenzie Dorstad (fifth, 15:37.7) paced the girls.

Western Athletic Conference

Sophomore Jacquelyn Pena Santillan highlighted Lathrop in the WAC opener at O’Neill Forebay, finishing seventh in 24:10.1).

Sheily Soto-Aguilar took third in 16:57.4 in the 2.1-mile frosh-soph division.

GIRLS GOLF

Southern Athletic League

Ripon Christian started SAL play at St. Stanislaus Golf Course in Modesto, netting a 172 against Oretimba’s 198 and Denair’s 227.

Medalist Ellie Kowes finished 12-over 40 for the Knights. Teammate Julia Van Groningen was second with a 41, which was highlighted by a 40-yard chip-in for birdie on the opening hole.

Orestinba’s Angelina Cruz followed with a 42. Brenna Cole led Denair with a 53.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Ripon 3, Hughson 0

The early frontrunner cruised to a 25-5, 25-13, 25-12 win to improve to 3-0 in the Trans-Valley League and 18-2 overall.

Setter Reagan Wilkerson delivered 20 assists while adding four aces and four digs. Kylee Fullmer led the front row with nine kills and three blocks. Adriana Dorn fired registered 11 kills, three aces and six digs.

Katherine Eskes (two blocks) and Kailee Inderbitzin contributed six kills apiece. Emeri Lane paced the defense with 10 digs.

JV volleyball

East Union 2, River Islands 0

Gwen Barker racked up 10 assists. 15 digs and three service aces to lead the Lancers’ 25-14, 25-7 sweep, while Jill Ramirez finished with seven assists and eight aces.

Frosh volleyball

River Islands 2, East Union 0

River Islands won the VOL match, 25-16, 27-25.

Andi Guibor recorded nine service aces for East Union, and Hannah Morris picked up five digs.