MARIPOSA — Needing a win to stay within reach of the top spot in the Southern Athletic League, Ripon Christian came through with a 25-14, 25-20, 25-12 sweep of Mariposa on Monday.
Mariposa (4-1, 4-8) was previously in a first-place tie with Orestimba (5-0, 8-7), which beat Delhi in three games to remain unbeaten in league.
“The girls played so great tonight,” Ripon Christian coach Jocelyn Benizger said. “They were a force to be reckoned with. The defense worked strong together, and the hitting line closed points perfectly. They located the open spots on the opposing side of the court and worked so well as a team.”
Paige Vos registered 11 kills, two aces and four digs to lead the reigning champion Knights (3-2, 4-9). Renae Heida, Makenzie Miller (three digs), Taylor Anema and Megan Bos added three kills apiece. Lauren Braga contributed three digs, and Taylor Alger distributed 24 assists.
Ripon Christian has a chance to gain ground on Thursday when it plays host to 0-5 Gustine while Orestimba travels to Mariposa.
Valley Oak League
Central Catholic 3,
East Union 1
The Lancers (0-5, 1-8) had visiting Central Catholic (3-2, 7-7) on the ropes early on before falling, 25-22, 11-25, 19-25, 18-25.
Kiana Day led East Union with 14 kills and 23 digs. Angelica Mercardo handed out 20 assists, and Ragan Fowzer racked up six blocks.
Kimball 3, Sierra 0
Sierra (0-5, 7-6) is still in search of its first VOL victory after its 14-25, 19-25, 19-25 loss to visiting Kimball (3-2, 8-6).
Hailey Steele finished with three kills and three aces. Lindsey Walljasper and Maria Lopez had two blocks each.
Oakdale 3,
Weston Ranch 0
OAKDALE — Defending VOL champion Oakdale (4-1, 6-7) made quick work of the Cougars (2-3, 9-4), 25-8, 25-16, 25-8.
Sophomore
Kimball 2, Sierra 1
The Timberwolves dropped a 14-25, 25-20, 16-18 heartbreaker.
Natalie Dias contributed four blocks and three aces for Sierra. Ashlee Lynn Matteroli rapped two kills and an ace.
Freshman
Kimball 2, Sierra 0
Sierra came up short, 17-25, 21-25.
Leilani Fabian hammered a pair of kills. Jenna Villanueva also had two kills to go with an ace.
