Just two years removed from an historic season, Lathrop’s boys volleyball team was back among the contenders for Sac-Joaquin Section Division III championship this spring.

Leading the charge was sophomore Gabriel Fa’ali’i, the Manteca Bulletin All-Area MVP. The Spartans (25-6) were ultimately eliminated by Vanden in the semifinals, with

other key players returning expectations are likely to be high for next year.

Lathrop recaptured the throne from Mountain House in the Western Athletic Conference, winning all 14 of its league matches.

His numbers improved across the board from his productive freshman campaign, pacing Manteca-area players with 427 kills (4.8 per set). He also accumulated 162 digs, 62 service aces and 33 blocks.

Fa’ali’i had one of his best matches in a first-round match against East Union, compiling season-highs 27 kills and four blocks in the four-set victory. He also had double-doubles in the Spartans’ big WAC showdowns with Mountain House, racking up 24 kills, 15 digs, four aces and three blocks in the first meeting and 22 kills, 14 digs and three steals in the rematch decided in five sets.

Fa’ali’i went on to be named conference MVP and was the only player from the area to make the All-Sac-Joaquin Section First Team.

Here are other top award winners followed by the rest of the Manteca Bulletin All-Area Boys Volleyball Team:

Co-Setters of the Year

Mark Bondoc, Manteca, Jr.: Manteca’s maestro earned All-Valley Oak League MVP after leading the Buffaloes to their fifth straight league title and fifth in six seasons. Bondoc paced the Buffs with 684 assists (8.2 per set) and 254 digs to go with 27 aces, 24 kills and 16 blocks.

Primo Estandarte, Sierra, Sr.: On top of quarterbacking the Timberwolves’ balanced attack, the multi-faceted Estandarte contributed to all phases. He led his team with 718 assists (7.8 per set) and 63 aces while chipping in 105 kills, 54 blocks and 170 digs. Estandarte was selected for the Sacramento Breakfast Optimist Club’s 25th annual all-star event and All-SJS honorable mention.

Outside Hitter of the Year

Mason Tameling, Ripon Christian, So.:

Tameling has taken the reins from a talented core lost to graduation in 2023, and the reloaded Knights again dominated the Southern Athletic League. The three-sport standout earned All-SAL MVP and All-SJS honorable mention after amassing 323 kills (4.3 per set), 207 digs, 43 aces and 17 blocks despite a late start coming from basketball.

Middle Blocker of the Year

Owen Altadonna, Sierra, Jr.: One of the most efficient hitters in the state, Altadonna was voted All-VOL Most Outstanding Player and joined fellow Timberwolf Estandarte on the All-SJS honorable-mention list. He recorded a .428 hitting percentage, totaling 271 kills (3.0 per set), 77 blocks and 37 aces.

Defensive Specialist of the Year

Charles Reyes, Lathrop, Sr.: The All-WAC first-team selection tallied 480 digs, good for 25th most nationally, according to stats submitted to MaxPreps. He also was also a weapon from the service line with 52 aces.

All-Area First Team: OH Alex Alvarellos, Ripon, So.; L/DS Bonpatrick Estrella, Sierra, Sr.; S/OH Anthony Gomez, Ripon, Sr.; OH Jesus Gomez, Manteca, So.; MB Aidan Patton, Manteca, Sr.; S Alexander Vere, Lathrop, Sr.

All-Area Second team: OH Jai Aquino, East Union, Sr.; DS/L Cedrick Maglinao, Manteca, Sr.; DS/L Marquell Marshall, Ripon, Sr.; RS Marco Palomares, Lathrop, Jr.; MB Darren Van Groningen, Ripon Christian, So.; S/RS Preston Zuidervaart, Ripon Christian, Sr.