RIPON — Ripon tipped off Trans-Valley League action Thursday with a mild upset, using a 17-6 second-quarter surge to defeat Escalon, 36-25.
It was a needed boost for the reigning champion Indians (1-0, 7-7 overall), who dropped six of their last seven games heading into league.
“We did pretty a good job overall for our first game of league, especially against our rivals,” Ripon coach Rick Inderbitzin said. “They were ranked pretty well ahead of us, so this is a good confidence builder after losing quite a bit at the end of December.”
Aside from the second-quarter eruption, Ripon struggled offensively but made up for it with defense. Escalon (0-1, 9-6) was held to a single point — a free throw from Priscilla Knowling — in the fourth quarter.
Savannah Clark did much of the heavy lifting for Ripon, finishing with 15 points and 14 rebounds while making 5 of 7 from the free-throw line. Jenelle Anderson led Escalon with 14 points.
“It was a nice bounce-back game for (Clark),” Inderbitzin said. “She had been struggling a little but played relaxed and did a good job for us.”
Ripon Christian 56,
Riverbank 50
RIVERBANK — After trailing for much of the first half, the Knights (1-1, 6-9) took the lead for good early in the third quarter after Kristen King nailed a tide-turning 3-pointer. They outscored Riverbank (0-2, 0-11) 16-11 in the fourth.
Overall, Kelly Engle led the charge with 13 points, and Renae Heida accumulated 12 points and 15 rebounds. Hailey Rodgers and Aliza Teixeira did most of the damage for the Bruins, finishing with 28 and 16 points, respectively.”
Those two girls really shot the ball well we played better defense in the second half … Kirstin King big 3 to put us up by two never trailed after that in the third early
Sophomore
Ripon Christian 46,
Riverbank 29
RIVERBANK —Sarah Brown (four steals, three assists) and Ariel Vander Woude (12 rebounds) each posted 15 points to buoy Ripon Christian’s victory.
Gianna Smith contributed with eight points and nine boards.
Ripon 37, Escalon 30
RIPON — Mia Culber lifted Ripon with 18 points, while Maci Herrin pitched in seven.
