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Biedermann, Ramos named VOL water polo MVPs
Sierra’s Brink, Validivia are Most Valuable Goalkeepers
All-VOL water polo
Ripon’s Brody Biedermann winds up for the shot while defended by Cabrillo’s Landon Hass in a NorCal game at St. Mary’s High on Nov. 19. - photo by SEAN KAHLER

The Ripon boys and Sierra girls water polo teams swept the Valley Oak League’s major awards after their historic campaigns.

Brody Biedermann is the boys MVP after helping Ripon (10-0 VOL, 29-6 overall) repeat as league champion. The Indians went on to win their first NorCal title, rolling to the Division III crown after finishing as the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II runner-up.

All-VOL water polo
Gianna Ramos of Sierra takes aim on a penalty shot in a Sac-Joaquin Section Division III quarterfinal against Sonora at Manteca High on Nov. 7.
Gianna Ramos and Keira Brink led the Sierra girls (10-0, 21-9) to their first VOL championship and semifinal-round appearance in the SJS Division III playoffs. Ramos was voted MVP, while Brink earned Most Valuable Goalie.

Sierra’s boys team (8-4, 16-15) also enjoyed its best season, winning a playoff game for the first time. Timberwolves junior Noah Valdivia was named the top male keeper.

Biedermann was among his team’s statistical leaders across the board, collecting 124 goals, 63 assists, 68 steals and 43 blocks overall.

“Brody has had an amazing last couple years,” Ripon coach Erik Zador said. “He’s really put himself into great positions in water polo. He has signed to UOP (University of the Pacific) and was part of the 18U ODP (Olympic Development Program) national team.

“He’s always striving to get better and stepped up in a leadership role. He was doing a great job with not only putting shots away, but getting assists and playing defense when we needed it. He’s just an overall great player.”

Ramos and Brink both set new single-season program records at Sierra. Sierra coach Lauren Koury lauds both for their leadership and communication.

Ramos stepped into the lead attacking role after losing 2023 graduate Lauren Ellis, the Timberwolves’ previous single-season leader for goals scored with 99. She now competes for NCAA Division I La Salle. Ramos surpassed her mark this fall with 126 goals.

“Offensively, she proved to be a significant threat, while defensively, her selfless play and constant support of her teammates created numerous opportunities for everyone,” Koury said. “Gianna shined in every game, no matter the challenges she faced. She is a humble, driven player who always puts the we-before-me mentality into action.”

Meanwhile, Brink set the standard for the girls team inside the cage. She totaled a record 246 saves for the season.

All-VOL water polo
Sierra goalkeeper Keira Brink stop a shot against Sonora.

“Each match, Keira played with the strength and resilience of a brick wall, and her commitment to her craft as a talented goalkeeper was evident,” Koury said. “Her relentless work ethic and dedication inspired her teammates, regardless of the challenges they faced.

“Keira’s integrity and desire to win lifted the entire team, and her humble nature kept her grounded. She has always remained a student of the game, eager to learn more and continually grow as a player.”

All-VOL water polo
Sierra goalie Noah Valdivia reaches for ball in a Valley Oak League game against East Union.

Among the notable All-VOL first-team selections from the area are Ripon’s McKeane Beier and Sierra’s Collins Schluer.

Beier was league MVP last season. This year, he tallied 79 goals, 43 assists and 46 steals. Schluer finished as the national leader in points (288) and goals (226 scored).

Ben Svoboda (59 goals, 67 assists, 37 steals), Teo West (37 goals, 55 assists, 22 steals) and Matthew Lee (47 goals, 53 assists, 32 steals) are other first-team selections for Ripon. Bayan Ballew joins fellow Timberwolf Schluer on the list. Gabe Holguin is the lone representative for East Union.

Sierra girls making the all-league first team are Mele Sanchez (43), Molly Allen (34), Bianca Fraser (22) and Phoebe Burke (23). Annie Story earned a spot for East Union.

Second-team selections from the area: Ryan Bell, Chetan Harvey, Nathan Selna and Boen West for Ripon; Stephanie Thomason, Kenidee Bauer, Olivia Knott, Peyton Nultemier, Carson Murray and Kiral Tran for Sierra; Drew Souza and Kylie Barker for East Union.