MARIPOSA — Make it seven straight Southern League volleyball titles for Ripon Christian.
The Knights certainly had to earn it in front of a raucous Mariposa crowd Tuesday, coming away with a 25-12, 25-20, 16-25, 25-15 victory to clinch the championship with one match to go.
Ripon Christian (12-1 SL, 19-10 overall) lost to runner-up Orestimba on the road last week. First-year coach Jocelyn Benziger liked the poise of her team in another hostile environment Tuesday.
“Tonight opened opportunities for the girls to run plays and fight through adversity that an intense crowd presented,” Benziger said. “I was so proud of them having composure, relentlessly not giving up on plays and clinching league.”
Beth Weststeyn (37 assists) looked to Paige Vos and Carly Eastham often on the attack, as they each finished with 16 kills. Makenzie Miller added six along with four blocks.
Bethany Silveira anchored the defense with 21 digs and served three aces. Emily Manes contributed 15 digs and five aces. Eastham also shined in the back row, turning in 14 digs.
Ripon Christian ends the regular season at Waterford on Thursday.