Ripon Christian finds out tonight if Thursday’s regular-season finale with Gustine has Southern League title implications.

For now, the Knights can rest a little easier knowing that they are in the playoffs for a second year in a row. They clinched their berth Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Mariposa.

Gustine (3-4-3 SL) faces Le Grand (8-2-1) today, and a Redskins victory gives Ripon Christian a chance to earn a piece of the championship. Either way, the Knights (7-3-1, 12-6-3 overall) are real contenders for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII banner.

“I’m extremely proud of these guys,” RC coach Keith Terpsma said. “They put their heart and soul into every game and it shows. We’ll take this energy into the playoffs and fight for a section title.”

Ripon Christian wasted little time in punching its postseason ticket Tuesday, as Amdrew Manes netted his first of two goals in the 14th minute aided by Max Koetsier’s cross from the right wing. Manes struck again in the 26th, blowing a Danny Vander Molen pass past the Mariposa keeper on the first touch.

Travis Vander Molen’s second-half penalty kick put it out of reach. Mariposa avoided the shutout with a goal in the 68th minute.

The Knights defense — led b y captain Coleton Hilarides, Kyle Colyn, Jesse De Rousse and keeper Lukas Vermeulen (9 saves) — was otherwise stout against a spirited effort from Mariposa (4-7-1, 5-13-1).

“We were stopping those (angled runs) all day,” Terpsma said. “It was unfortunate that it happened, but we’re happy with the decisive 3-1 win. We’re even happier with a decisive clinching of playoffs before the league is even over.”





TRANS-VALLEY LEAGUE

Ripon 6, Orestimba 1

Freshman Thomas Sidtikun recorded his first varsity hat trick on Monday, while senior standout Roberto Alvarez also netted three goals in Ripon’s blowout win.

The Indians (9-0-2 TVL, 16-5-2 overall) poured in all of their goals in a 35-minute stretch. Orestimba didn’t strike until the 76th minute.

Ripon plays for its first league title in school history Wednesday when it hosts Hilmar. A win clinches sole possession for the crown, while a tie forces a likely share with reigning champ Riverbank.