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Offense busts loose for Ripon Christian in Lady Lions Cup
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Ripon Christian’s girls soccer team had scored just three times in five competitive nonleague matches.

The Knights broke out in a big way during at Big Valley Christian’s Lady Lions Cup in Modesto Saturday, unleashing 13 goals in four contests en route to the tournament championship.

In the title round, Ripon Christian (5-3-1) edged Victory Christian in a shootout, 5-4, after they battled to a 1-1 tie in regulation. Kaylin Groen provided the equalizer late in the second half, arching in a shot from the top of the penalty box. It was her only goal of the tournament.

Adrianna Van Groningen sealed the victory by burying the final penalty-kick attempt in the shootout just moments after Victory was off the mark on its fifth try. Van Groningen was RC’s leading scorer for the tournament with three goals and two assists for 11 points.

Ripon Christian opened the day with a 1-0 victory over Big Valley Christian. The Knights then blew out Buckingham Charter of Vacaville 7-1 before drubbing Southern League rival Denair, 4-0.

Natalie Van Groningen contributed three goals to club’s title run, while Natalie Prins scored once and assisted two others. Chipping in one goal apiece were Kylie Byrd, Ellen Blankers, Emily Hoeksema, Rachel Kinser and Rachel Van Duyn.

Goalkeeper Brittany Petlansky collected 15 saves to go with two shutouts.

“The day involved a complete team effort, evidenced by the fact that nine different players scored throughout the tournament,” RC coach Kevin Tameling said. “Our defensive effort has been strong throughout the early part of the season, but (on Saturday) the difference was being able to capitalize on our offensive opportunities.”