Ripon coach George Contente tested his team with a rugged schedule in the first month of the season, and it paid off in the Indians’ Trans-Valley League opener Thursday.

Zaire Davis netted a game-high 21 points and buried two late free throws to help seal a hard-earned 46-43 win at Hughson.

“It’s good to be 1-0 to start off league,” Contente said. “We had been playing some pretty tough competition, and it’s always tough to go there (to Hughson) and play. It’s a good win.”

Ripon (1-0 TVL, 9-7 overall) trailed by as much as 10 in the third quarter but ramped up the defensive intensity to put itself in a position to steal the win. Savannah Ahumada (13 points), one of only three Huskies players to score, tied it with less than a minute to go, but Ripon pulled away with three combined free throws from Jourdy Richter (11 points) and Davis.

“Our pressure got to them a little bit and we were able to turn it around,” Contente said.

Hannah Alcorn and Jessica Garcia each had 15 points for Hughson (0-1, 3-8).



Ripon Christian 57,
Hilmar 47

With a regular starter out sick, Jessica Orozsco was given the nod to begin Ripon Christian’s TVL opener on the floor. She ended up knocking down four 3s and led all players with 22 points.

Nicole Graham chipped in 14 points for the Knights (1-0, 10-2), and Carly Tillema secured 12 rebounds. Visiting Hilmar (0-1, 6-9) trailed by as much as 17 in the fourth quarter before surging late.



Sophomore

Ripon Christian 48,
 Hilmar 24

Abby Buitrago racked up 16 points and seven steals as the Knights evened their TVL record at 1-1. Kelly Engel, Molly Hoeksema and Beth Weststeyn had eight apiece.