Ripon Christian’s boys golf team got even with Southern League rival Turlock Christian in the conference tournament Monday at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club.

Well, sort of.

The Knights are denied a share of the SL title because tournament points count the same as wins in dual matches. That means Turlock Christian stands as the outright champion despite getting outshot 428-448 by Ripon Christian, the tournament’s first-place finisher.

Ripon Christian, at least, appears to be peaking at the right time. Next Tuesday, May 7 is the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI Tournament at Stevinson Ranch — Turlock Christina’s home course. The top team out of that event advances to the SJS Masters.

“It’s a good confidence builder heading into divisionals,” RC coach Kevin Schenk said. “That was the team round I’ve been looking for all year. The guys were kind of down last week after Turlock Christian beat us at our place, but they knew there was still golf to be played. It was a solid team round and I’m really proud of them.”

The top three placers are Ripon Christian players. Sophomore Kyle Colyn carded a 6-over 78 to lead the way. He was also voted league MVP. All-league selections Christian Manes and Andrew Manes turned in the second- and third-place scores of 81 and 85. Jesse De Rousse (91) and Brandon Dotinga (93) earned honorable mention.

“Kyle’s been a steady contributor all year,” Schenk said. “His highs are never too high, and his lows are never too low. He’s an even-keel player under pressure and has an incredibly high ceiling in golf moving forward.”



Soccer

Ripon Ch. 3, Turlock Ch. 1

Ripon Christian (12-1 SL, 16-7-1 overall) has its first-ever girls soccer championship to itself after holding off the host Eagles (4-9, 5-10) in Turlock.

Kaylie Colyn, Teagan Manus and Kyra Adams each scored as the Knights took a comfortable three-goal lead into halftime. Arin Morelli cashed in on a free kick to score TC’s lone goal, but Ripon Christian otherwise had its title clincher under control.

“From the beginning of the season the team’s goal was to win league,” RC coach Kevin Tameling said. “They knew this would be a difficult task, so they put in many hours in the offseason.”

Ripon Christian has a tough opponent to cap the regular season Wednesday at home with Mariposa visiting. Mariposa needs to win to have a chance at qualifying for the SJS playoffs.



Softball

Ripon Ch. 9, Turlock Ch. 4

The visiting Knights (3-8 SL, 4-11 overall) were outhit by Turlock Christian (4-8, 9-11), but they never trailed after taking a four-run lead in the top of the first inning.