Ripon and Ripon Christian’s girls volleyball teams are looking to build off of recent success in 2025.
In the last three years, Ripon has won two Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championships and finished as a runner-up once.
The Indians are looking to make it back-to-back SJS titles and they have not experienced a Trans-Valley League loss in two seasons.
But in order for continued success Ripon will have to plug some key holes in their lineup.
“We lost five strong seniors last season that were all key players for our team's past success,” Indians coach Devon Denhart said. “However, we have eight returning varsity players that are excited and committed to having another successful season. We also have two sophomores and one freshman on our team this year.
Among the Ripon returners are Trans-Valley League MVP senior Adriana Dorn and senior starting middle Olivia Neuman. Juniors filling out the lineup include right-side hitter Jorie Eskes, defensive specialist/Libero Kennedy Everhart and setter Alayna Sprinkle.
“I am really excited for this year,” Neuman said. “I think we have a very solid team.
“We lost a lot of seniors from last year, so we won’t be the exact same team, but I believe in these girls this year and I think we’ll be pretty good.”
The Indians kick off the season Tuesday with hosting Gregori of Modesto at 6 p.m. in a SJS Foundation game.
Coming off of back-to-back state championships, Ripon Christian jumped from the Southern Athletic League to the Trans-Valley League last season and encountered some tough sledding, finishing third in the TVL while advancing to the semifinals in the SJS playoffs and second round of NorCals.
With 12 SAL titles since 2010, the Knights have a history of success, and Ripon Christian coach Kayla Kootstra is excited at the potential
“We are coming off a great year,” Kootstra said. “The program has a history of excellence, and you see that in the expectations of each new team and new season. We have seven players returning who all saw substantial time last year, so I anticipate that they will be more settled, more driven, and more consistent on the court for this season.
“We have strong leadership from our seniors and some solid juniors to help fill in the gaps. Having so many returners also means we knew what to work on as soon as we stepped in the gym and they all have the desire to improve, which we have seen already in the first week of practice. I'm excited to see what we can accomplish.”
Paige Van Hofwegen led the Knights in hitting last season and played a key role on defense and serve receive. This will be Brynn Bohn’s third year on the varsity, and Kootstra will be counting on her to be a presence on the block as well as attack in the middle.
“I am really excited,” Bohn said. “There was definitely a different competitive level last year in the TVL. We graduated two seniors last year and we are excited about this year.
“I think we will do well this season. I am ready for the competition, and I think it will be really fun.”
“She (Sonke) has brought a fire and desire to improve to every practice so far,” Kootstra said. “And we want that to continue so she can take control of the back row.”
Ripon Christian kicks of the season on Wednesday, Aug. 27, with a trip to Merced to face El Capitan at 6 p.m.
