RIPON — Ripon Christian snapped out of its early funk and used a 20-4 third-quarter push to sprint past visiting Hughson 53-28 in the Trans-Valley League opener.

The Knights (1-0 TVL, 6-6 overall) struggled to get untracked at the outset but still managed to lead 6-4 going into the second quarter.

“In the first half I couldn’t find anyone who wanted to play,” Ripon Christian coach Ed Mulder said. “In the second half they finally came out of their shell and played a lot better.”

All 11 Ripon Christian players scored. Jessica Orozco spearheaded the balanced effort with nine points and eight rebounds. Elizabeth Weststeyn and Jessica Van Vliet tallied eight points apiece, and Bailey Broker contributed with eight rebounds. Hughson (0-1, 2-11) was outrebounded, 47-26.

Ripon Christian looks to carry the momentum into Friday’s road matchup with TVL newcomer Mountain House.



Ripon 51, Hilmar 21

RIPON — The Indians (1-0, 8-6) racked up their third consecutive blowout win with another stifling effort from the defense.

Carla Calderon poured in 10 of her game-high 17 points in the first quarter when the Indians raced out to an 11-0 lead. She made three 3-pointers, while Sarah DeFrietas (eight points) buried a pair as Ripon made the Yellowjackets (0-1, 7-8) pay for sitting in a zone defense. Five Indians contributed six or more points.

Hilmar (0-1, 7-8) was held to just two points in each of the final two periods and was paced by Hailey Chavez’s seven points.

Ripon travels to Vista del Lago of Folsom for a nonleague contest on Friday.