Ripon opened its first season under coach Casey Kresge against traditionally strong opponents, and she had hoped her team would gain valuable experience from the losses to Sonora and Central Catholic out the gate.
On Thursday, she wanted to see the Indians show the mental toughness necessary to close out tough sets, and they achieved that on the road against a much-improved East Union squad. It was Ripon that rallied late to secure the first and third sets as well as its first win of the season, 25-20, 25-14, 25-18.
“I think we’ve learned that mental toughness is key for our team,” Kresge said. “We have a couple young girls and a lot of veterans, as well, but I think our mental toughness is what needs to get stronger to keep us in matches.
“I definitely think the will power to keep fighting is in them, it’s just about being consistent and keeping that drive.”
After dominating the latter half of Game 2, the Indians (1-2) carried the momentum into the third set when it opened on an eight-point tear capped by one of Kaya Whittaker’s team-high three aces.
East Union (6-3), which had a four-match winning streak snapped, managed to make things interesting. The Lancers slowly chipped away at the deficit and closed in 19-18 after Katelyn Trevino scored a kill on an overpass from Ripon.
The Indians regained control from there, tallying the final six points while getting three kills from Katherine Eskes (five kills) in the process. Kylee Fullmer (12 kills) locked down the win with a scoring spike of her own.
“They have really good players. I feel like we did pretty well against a pretty strong team,” East Union outside hitter Valerie Ochoa said. She paced the Lancers with seven kills and four aces.
“Even though we lost, I’m actually really proud of our team,” she added. “We’ve had some rough games, but I can tell we’re improving in our communication and coverage and just everything in general. Everyone put in the work in the offseason and is trying their best to improve from last year.”
Mariela Navarro contributed three kills and three blocks for the Lancers. Meritiana Luani had eight digs and four assists. Isabel Israel came up with 10 digs.
Reagan Wilkerson led Ripon’s back row with nine digs. Senior outside hitter Danika Matuska chipped in with six kills but played a part in helping the Indians gain separation.
After a quiet opening set from Matuska, she put away three straight kills in Game 2 to catapult Ripon to a 10-9 lead. The Indians never trailed for the rest of the match.
“She’s one of our captains and our seniors,” Kresge said. “She’s definitely one of our clutch players who we need on the court. She’s been battling an injury that she’s playing through. When she comes out swinging in games, we’re really impressed with her grit and mental toughness to keep going.”
The Indians will compete in the High Sierra Invitational in Reno today and Saturday. East Union next hosts Lincoln on Tuesday.
Junior varsity
Ripon 2, East Union 0
Laura Montanez produced six assists and two kills in East Union’s 14-25, 17-25 setback.
Isabella Rodriguez netted three kills.
Freshman
Ripon 2, East Union 0
Ripon won 25-20, 25-10.
Bailey Ford served five aces for East Union, and Gwendolin chipped in four service points.
