In a showdown for first place in Valley Oak League boys volleyball Monday night, visiting Mountain House avenged its earlier-season, five-set loss to Manteca with a 25-22, 25-18, 25-23 sweep of the host Buffaloes to knot the VOL race with three matches remaining.

The first set had three ties and two lead changes down the stretch with four ties and two lead changes down the stretch in the third set, and the Mustangs (10-1, 20-4) just overpowered Manteca (8-1, 18-7) at the end.

“They are a really solid team,” Buffaloes coach Jennifer Reis said. “They put pressure on you in ways that make you uncomfortable. They have great serves and a lot of firepower at the net. I am super proud of my guys. Even after two slow starts, they battled back and showed a lot of heart in that third set.

“Obviously, on senior night, we would have loved to have sent our senior setter Mark Bondoc off with a win, but we have a lot more to go. We are chasing for the title still.”

Jesus Gomez led Manteca with 12 kills and seven digs. Logan Romriell (nine digs, five kills, block), Bondoc (22 assists, 10 digs), Robert Hevener (eight kills, block), Alex Khizeran (seven digs) and Raclif Figueroa (five digs) rounded out the Buffaloes attack.

Manil Mehta led the punishing Mountain House attack with 20 kills. The Mustangs totaled 44 kills to 31 for Manteca with the Mustangs dishing out six aces and the Buffaloes just one.

“It was an exciting game,” Mountain House coach Michelle Laban said. “Mehta is my senior outside hitter. He had a phenomenal game tonight.

“He was playing very smart and knew where to execute all over the court. We utilized him well tonight.”

The Buffaloes have three league matches remaining beginning with a road contest at East Union on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Mustangs wrap up VOL play Wednesday night at 6 at home against Patterson.

Junior varsity

Manteca 2, Mountain House 0

In a reversal of fortunes from the varsity contest, the Buffaloes (7-1, 17-4) hand the Mustangs their first league loss, knotting the two teams atop the VOL with three games remaining.

Adam Cuevas posted eight kills and five digs to pace Manteca. Ryan Mu added nine digs and Eli Navarro chipped in seven assists and six digs.