After losing both of its matches last week and three of the last four, Lathrop’s boys soccer team rolled past Ceres 3-0 on Tuesday for a much-needed Western Athletic Conference victory at Woodward Park.

The Spartans (5-4-1 WAC, 8-7-3 overall) avenged one of their early-season losses that was decided by the same score. Coach Alfredo Reynaga hopes that recent lineup changes can help turn the season around.

“It’s tough to say it this far into the season, but the team had yet to find its identity,” Reynaga said. “I think we’re on the right track today.”

Lathrop did not break through until early in the second half, when Alan Hernandez converted on a free kick. About three minutes later, he fed Andres Garcia for a first-touch banger from outside the 18-yard line. The Spartans capped the second-half surge with Juan Morales’ goal assisted by Garcia.

Lathrop outshot the Bulldogs (4-5-1, 7-7-5), 16-6. Goalkeeper Julia Ceja had four saves, and defender Eduardo Torres was instrumental in the shutout.

“We played our toughest soccer of the season,” Reynaga said. “We haven’t played like that the majority of the season. Moving things around seemed to really help us.”

The Spartans host Johansen on Friday back at Woodward Park.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Ripon 41, Hughson 21

The Trans-Valley League-leading Indians (7-0, 14-9 overall) took care of business, getting 12 points from Ava Hernandez. They led comfortably at halftime, 25-9.

Danika Escola scored all eight of her points in the first half. Tatiana Perez pitched in with seven.

Raegan Barstow paced Hughson (1-6, 2-17) with eight.

Ripon Christian 27, Hilmar 23

Reagan Van Der Hoek lifted Ripon Christian (3-4, 7-9) to a second straight TVL win with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Cailyn Mouw chipped in with six points.

BOYS BASKETBALL

River Islands 75, Holt Academy 53

The Riptide (3-2, 11-11 overall) had a balanced attack in the Central California Athletic Alliance blowout. They broke it open in the second half after leading 28-19 at halftime.

Idrees ElFarra and Charles Mapanao fired 14 points apiece and combined for five made 3-pointers. Darius Radoc Factoran added 11 points, and Zach Basurto had 10. All River Islands players scored.

JV girls basketball

Ripon Christian 32, Hilmar 24

Rhian Heuvel poured in 14 points for the Knights.

Frosh girls basketball

East Union 45, Sierra 7

East Union held the visiting Timberwolves scoreless in the second and fourth periods.

Elle Balyut led the Lancers with 24 points, seven steals and four rebounds. Camille Christensen had eight points and three steals.

Lathrop 39, Pacheco 17

Kaliyah Urrutia collected 14 points, 12 steals and five rebounds, as the Spartans improved to 7-1 in the WAC.

Laniyah Stroud-Prince turned in 11 points, six rebounds four steals and a block. Ishaan Singh contributed eight points, eight rebounds and four steals.