Chemistry.

Ripon volleyball coach Erin Cutino is looking for chemistry to help her team make a playoff run, and that chemistry will come from a blending of the old and the new.

“I’m very excited for this season,” Cutino said. “We have a core group of seniors and the girls moving up have great energy. This team meshes well and supports each other so I’m excited what that combination will bring.” 

The Indians finished 9-13 in the Trans-Valley League last season and were 11-13 overall. They finished second in the TVL due to a season split with rival Escalon.

“We lost to Escalon the first time and came back and won the second time,” Cutino said. “We played our best game of the season that night and clinched second place in league.”

This will be Cutino’s third year at the helm for Ripon and her ninth year of coaching. 

The Indians begin their non-league schedule Friday, Aug. 17, at home against Lathrop and on Tuesday, Sept. 4, Ripon begins TVL play at home against perennial powerhouse and defending league and Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV champion Hilmar.