Manteca’s follow-up to the 2021 championship season did not go as well as coach Robin Chandler had hoped, but she believes her program is headed back on the right track.
The Buffaloes bring back most of their key players, and younger talent has been elevated the varsity team to contribute right away while also developing for the future.
“I definitely feel like we’re stronger this year,” Chandler said. “As long as we stay healthy, I think it’s going to be a good season. They’re working
The 2021 Buffaloes may go down as the best in program history, finishing 26-8, winning the Valley Oak League title and qualifying for the state playoffs. Ten players were lost to graduation, leaving Chandler with a bit of a rebuilding project.
Manteca went 17-13 last year but finished 4-6 for fourth place in league. The Buffs were swept in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs with their best player sitting out with a broken wrist.
All-VOL first-team selection Michaela Singh suffered the injury in the final match of the regular season, but the 5-foot-10 outside hitter will have a chance to build on her breakout campaign.
“She’s playing really well right now,” Chandler said. “She has come back strong and doing amazing. She’s feeling more comfortable playing in the back row, as well, which is good for us. She’ll get to play all the way around. It’s nice to have that option as a back-row attack.”
Also back is Nicole Ayala, who shined at the libero spot as a sophomore and made the all-league second team. The back row is a strength of Manteca’s, with seniors Emily Inderbitzin and Riley Slikker much experience from the club circuit.
Manteca also gets the long-awaited return of Izabella Sanchez, a 6-1 middle who started many matches as a sophomore on the 2021 squad. She missed all of 2022 with a torn ACL.
“Izzy is honestly one of my favorite players to coach, because she works so hard and has a great attitude,” Chandler said. “She is probably one of the best middle blockers I’ve had, as far as her footwork and form on blocking.”
Chandler is also high on returning right-side hitter Genesis Mailangi, whom she believes “is going to have a huge impact this year.”
Freshman Taimani Tu’uga provides additional length and athleticism to the front row. Sophomore Saniyah Anthony has also been called up to give the team positional versatility.
Chandler will quickly know where her team is with upcoming scrimmages against Division IV state champion Ripon Christian and SJS Division III champion Escalon. Both opponents are also on the regular-season schedule — at Ripon Christian on Sept. 6 and at Escalon on Sept. 20.
The Buffaloes head to Weston Ranch for a Foundation Game on Aug. 21, and the season begins at Lathrop the following night. They’re also returning to the Stockton Classic Varsity Kickoff set for Aug. 26.
“We’re trying to make sure we play some really strong teams to get us ready for the season,” Chandler said.
