Roundup: Swim splits with Kimball & Central Catholic
ALYSSA FUENTES/The Tower
On Friday, March 24, the Manteca High swim team faced off against Central Catholic and Kimball. The boys defeated Central Catholic, 68-16, and lost to Kimball, 63-59. The girls also defeated Central Catholic, 86-68, but were ousted by Kimball, 89-71.
By HUDSON WYATT
The Tower
Manteca High junior Rex Watson’s home run helped the Manteca High baseball team (8-3) defeat Weston Ranch, 20-3, on March 24.
Watson went 2-2 with 4 RBI.
“As a team, we definitely had our ups and down on offense. However, it seems like we always find a way to figure it out and get the job done,” said Watson.
Colton Murillo and Alex Murrietta were perfect at the plate, helping the Buffaloes to 12 total hits. Manteca outhit the Cougars, a former Valley Oak League foe, 12-3.
Pitching for the Buffaloes was freshman Tristian Murphey and Jace Quitalso, a sophomore.
The Buffs will start league play with a three-game series against Kimball on April 3.
“I truly believe we have a team that is definitely going to give everyone a run for their money and never give up,” said Watson.
Softball
Manteca High softball (8-1) team is off to a great start this season, and continued its winning ways with a 14-4 victory over Fairfield.
Alesia Harris was perfect from the plate going 4-4 with three runs and two RBI. Nelly Torres went 1-3 from the plate but had three RBI. Joceyln Baptist went 2-4 with one run.
“Just seems like a different girl has been coming up big for us each game. Today I thought we got a great game from Alesia Harris, among others. Bel Tonna did her job today, pitching well and allowing her defense to work behind her,” said coach Josh Farris.
Bel Tonna allowed four runs on nine his. She struck out two.
“Once again, I thought we let off the pedal a little bit towards the end. We all know that our best softball is still ahead of us. I’m still waiting to see them play a completely clean game like we are capable of,” Farris said.
Boys Golf
Manteca High boys golf team had a league meet at Manteca Park Golf Course on March 21.
The boys came in third place behind East Union and Oakdale. Tyler Watkins was the Buffaloes’ low-man on the day, shooting an 87. Connor Deprater carded an 89, while Ethan Freitas finished with a 94.
Coach Joseph Rohles has high expectations for Deprater, a senior catalyst.
“Conor proved that he can be one of the top golfers in the league. He will continue to grow his game and keep taking the shots he needs to be successful. He has a chance to do great things this year,” Rohles said.
Swimming
The swim team had host a recent meet against Central Catholic and Kimball High school.
“It was a great meet all around. The team really pushed themselves and got out of their comfort zones,” said coach Elizabeth Wenner.
The girls team produced a win against Central Catholic 86-68 and then a lost against Kimball 89-71.
On the girls side, there were first-place finishes from Amelia Trejo (200 IM and 100 breaststroke), Aylin Gutierrez (50 freestyle) and Sydney Snyder (500 freestyle).
The boys came away with a blowout against CC 68-16 but lost to Kimball 63-59.
For the boys team, there were first-place finishes from Winston Synder (200 IM and 100 breaststroke), Snowden Synder (200 freestyle), and Brandon Nakham (500 freestyle).
“Every athlete got at least one season-best time. I look forward to seeing how we finish out the season!,” said Wenner.
Boys Volleyball
Manteca boys volleyball (9-5 2-0) team began league play with a sweep of Central Catholic on March 29.
“When you think about Central Catholic in league, you think they would be a big competitor. But we played very well that game. Our whole team got reps which helps,” said team caption Connor Navarro.
The boys will play against crosstown rival East Union. A team that they beat last year.
“I think going into our next game against East Union, they’ll be out for blood from last year. Coming off a win, we will ride that momentum into that game,” Navarro said.