Aiming to end a streak of three semifinal exits, Ripon started its Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV postseason run Friday with a 2-1 win against dangerous No. 13 seed East Union at Stouffer Field.
The fourth-seeded Indians (20-5-1) got highlight-reel goals from Olivia Ellis and Mia Hendryx, while the defense — anchored by another sophomore in center back Allie Grussing — held firm in the second half, as the Lancers (11-13-3) pressed their attack.
The two teams previously met two months ago in non-league action, and Ripon coach Bryce Perkins said that was a more competitive match than the final score line of 2-0 would indicate. He expected the rematch to be much of the same, especially with both teams at full strength time time around.
“We were down some players, they were down some players, but it was a pretty even match-up back then,” Perkins said. “We won 2-0, but we had about 13 shots to their 11.
“Tonight, we were able to come away with the win. “I felt like we controlled the first half, but they controlled the second half, and we dodged a lot of bullets.”
Ripon outshot the Lancers 14-5 overall, but much of the possession belonged to the visitors in the second half after Hendryx nodded in the deciding goal in the 47th minute. Left back Deen Kaur, yet another sophomore, delivered the perfect near-post cross to set up Hendryx’s header.
Kaur and the rest of the Indians’ back line — including Addison Naranjo, Clara Schoolland and Grussing — spent most of the final 30-plus minutes on the defensive.
East Union, however, could not connect its final passes to create any real scoring chances. Emergency defending from Grussing was part of the reason.
“A lot of credit goes to Allie Grussing,” Perkins said. “She was running that sweeper spot back there, and she cleaned up a lot of stuff that came through. She just rejected it, and she had the good sense to play the sideline and kill clock at the end. That’s a really intelligent player.”
Right winger Olivia Ellis volleyed in the first goal in the 19th minute, crushing it off the cross bar after receiving an accurate through ball from Madelyn McKiernan. McKiernan left the game in the 35th minute with a knee injury that Perkins fears may end her season.
East Union quickly answered the Indians’ opening strike, but with a little help — Alexa Bretao sent a cross in from the left wing that was deflected into the net by a Ripon defender.
Both goalkeepers were otherwise solid, as Giuliana Locarnini came up with two saves between the Indians’ posts, while East Union’s Kadence Rossi had six.
“Coming here, we had a lot of confidence,” East Union coach Jason Silva said. “We like the match-up, and we knew that it was going to be different from before. We were able to put some pressure on them and had some opportunities. I’m proud of this team. We battled tonight. We battled all year.”
With another year of experience, Silva expects the Lancers to be more competitive next year with much of them entering their third as varsity players.
“We have 16-17 girls coming back,” Silva said. “I had one senior that started and three juniors. After that, it was basically a freshman-sophomore team. The future is bright for us.”
Ripon hosts No. 5 seed Placer (9-7-4) in the quarterfinals next Monday. The Hillmen placed fourth in the competitive Valley Foothill League and took care of No. 12 Casa Roble in their opener, 3-1.
