Lathrop’s boys soccer team notched a big Western Athletic Conference win Thursday, holding off Livingston 3-1 at Woodward Park.

The Wolves (3-1-1 WAC, 6-3-1 overall) came into the match in a first-place tie with Central Valley, which so happens to be Lathrop’s next opponent.

“We came in knowing that Livingston was a very tough opponent,” Lathrop coach Alfredo Reynaga said. “We wanted to come out and showcase ourselves.

The Spartans (3-1-1, 6-4-3) never trailed thanks to first-half goals from Andres Garcia and Juan Morales. They led 2-0 at halftime. Livingston threatened to come back after scoring on a penalty kick, but Alan Hernandez’s late set-piece goal locked down the victory for Lathrop.

Goalkeeper Julian Ceja, back from vacation, tallied eight saves.

Central Valley (3-0-2, 8-5-6) visits Lathrop on Tuesday.

“We know what is at stake,” Reynaga said. “We just had a good result and now have an opportunity to be at the top of the (standings).”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Ripon Christian 19, Hughson 18

Reagan Van Der Hoek scored Ripon Christian’s only two points in the fourth quarter, but it was all the Knights (1-1, 5-6 overall) needed for the Trans-Valley League victory.

Van Der Hoek finished with 12 points.

The host Huskies (0-2, 1-13) had seven of their 10 players contribute on offense.

Ceres 53, Lathrop 44

Host Ceres (1-1 WAC, 12-4 overall) made early 3s to mount a 19-6 first-quarter lead, but the Spartans managed to stay in the hunt and cut it to four in the fourth period.

Lathrop (0-3, 7-10) has lost four of its last five.

“We boxed out better than we had all year, and that let us hold them to one shot, as we clawed our way back into the game,” Lathrop coach Dwayne Davis said. “Still, too many turnovers for a chance to win, but they played hard all night after that first quarter.”

Shakara Porter pumped in 12 points, four rebounds and two steals for the Spartans. Faith Allen added 10 points and seven steals. Audrina Fisher had seven points and five boards. Tati Lopez chimed in with five points and six rebounds.

JV girls basketball

Lathrop 39, Ceres 35

The Spartans gained separation with a 14-8 third quarter and held on for the victory.

Zoha Ali led them with 11 points, five rebounds and seven steals. Hazel Beltran registered eight points, three rebounds and two steals. Sara Garcia also had eight points to go with five steals.

JV boys soccer

Lathrop 2, Livingston 1

Alexander Guillory’s brace buoyed the Lathrop win.

Frosh girls basketball

Lathrop 32, Ceres 14

Kaliyah Urrutia helped jump start the Spartans’ offense after they were shut out in the opening quarter.

She scored 12 of her 18 points in the second period and finished with 10 offensive rebounds and four steals.

Brittany Valladares contributed eight points, seven rebounds and five steals. Laniyah Stroud-Prince produced six points, three steals and two blocks. Lathrop improved to 3-0 in the WAC.