Defense and the running game helped lift Lathrop’s flag football team to a 27-22 win over visiting Ceres on Wednesday.

The Spartans (9-1, 15-2 overall) snagged three interceptions and remain a game back first-place Livingston in the Western Athletic Conference. The two will face off for a second time next week, Oct. 16 at Livingston.

Angelique Gonzalez was a tone setter for Lathrop on Wednesday, as she halted the first offensive drive for Ceres (6-4, 9-8) with a pick-six. She finished with six tackles and three pass breakups.

Sarah Vivero also had an interception, and Heiddy Camacho’s late pick sealed the victory for Lathrop.

Faith Allen led the offense with two rushing touchdowns covering 22 and 32 yards. Quarterback Luz De Luna was limited to 65 yards and one touchdown, completing eight of 23 passes.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Lathrop 3, Ceres 0

The Spartans (9-0 WAC, 15-7 overall) were on their game in the 25-16, 25-11, 25-13 road win.

Elizabeth Andrade flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 15 kills, eight digs and six aces. Siliana Fa’ataualofa netted eight kills, five blocks and five digs. Erin Chunn added five blocks four blocks.

Ayden Petroff handed out 25 assists and served three aces. Justine Mabutas picked up 11 digs.

JV flag football

Ceres 12, Lathrop 6

Marianna Coon scored the lone touchdown for Lathrop on a pass play, and she also contributed an interception on defense.

Quarterback Morgan Hegler finished 10-for-14 for 57 yards.

JV girls volleyball

Lathrop 2, Ceres 0

After a quick first set, the Spartans held on for the 25-7, 25-21 sweep.

Brianna Valencia registered four kills, six digs and three aces. Hazel Beltran had two kills, two aces and three digs. Aniyah McGriff chipped in two kills and three blocks.

Rosemary Libaste led the defense with seven digs to go with her two aces. Vivianna Salcedo set 10 assists.

Frosh girls volleyball

Lathrop 2, Ceres 0

Lathrop cruised, 25-13, 25-9.

Andrea Lemus spearheaded the attack with six kills and two aces. Cassidy Fa’ali’i dished out seven assists while serving three aces. Audrina Fisher and Aylin Reyes pitched in two kills apiece. Alexza Bringas added four assists and two aces. Lilyana Murillo collected five digs.