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Sierra-Lathrop first-round matchup set for D-III playoffs
SJS boys volleyball playoffs
Ripon Christian’s Darren Van Groningen (15) and East Union’s Gabriel Torres (11) joust in a non-league match on March 17. - photo by SEAN KAHLER
JONAMAR JACINTO
The Bulletin
Published: Apr 26, 2025, 6:52 AM

 Two Manteca Unified schools will square off for the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs next week, and Ripon Christian is seeded third in the same bracket.

Seedings were revealed by the section on Friday. Postseason action starts next Tuesday with play-in matches, one of which will be hosted by a local team. First-round matches are on Wednesday and scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Sierra (19-12) is seeded third in Division III and will make short trip to No. 7 Lathrop (24-8). They previously met in a non-league match on March 3. Lathrop swept 25-23, 25-17, 25-20, but Sierra standout middle blocker Owen Altadonna was on the mend from a hand injury.

SJS boys volleyball playoffs
Sierra outside hitter Yatharth Katyal (13) spikes against the block from Ripon’s Trent Olmo (22) and Cade Fullmer (8) in a non-league match April 17. - photo by SEAN KAHLER

Both teams are entering the postseason in good form. Lathrop swept four of its last five opponents, and the one loss was a five-game heartbreaker against Valley Oak League champion Mountain House, which competes in Division I. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves won three of their last four regular-season matches, all of which were decided in five sets. One of those wins came against Trans Valley League champion Ripon Christian (23-9). The Sierra-Lathrop winner likely heads to No. 2-seeded River Valley (27-7) of Yuba City.

RC, a two-time section titlist in Division IV, has earned the highest seed among the area schools. The Knights welcome No. 14 Burbank (10-6) of Sacramento in their opener.

East Union (10-11) is in the Division III play-in and hosting Buhach Colony (8-12). The victor ventures to Folsom to face top-seeded Vista del Lago (24-6), the No. 4-ranked overall team in the SJS, according to MaxPreps computer ratings.

VOL runner-up Manteca (21-8) and TVL runner-up Ripon (23-9) are both hosting the Nos. 8-9 matches in their respective divisions.

Manteca is again in the competitive Division II field and awaits Antelope (19-13). Del Oro (19-13), the team that eliminated the Buffaloes in the quarterfinals last year, is the No. 1 seed.

In Division IV, Ripon drew No. 9 Lincoln (13-8) of Placer County. Top-seeded Holt Academy (34-1) of Stockton likely gets the winner.

Also in Division IV, first-time qualifier River Islands (15-8) is seeded No. 14 and matched with No. 3 Vacaville Christian (23-5), the outright Sierra Delta League champion. River Islands, a first-year varsity program with no seniors, earned an automatic berth after placing second in the Central California Athletic Alliance.

General admission is $12 for all matches up to the semifinals. Cost is $10 for senior citizens and military, $7 for students K-12, and children ages 5 and under are free.

Championship matches will take place May 10 at Cosumnes River College. All finalists in Divisions I-IV advance to the California Interscholastic Federation Northern Regionals (May 20, 22, 24). The CIF will hold its inaugural state championships for boys volleyball on May 31 at Fresno City College.