The Ripon Indians took a huge step in the right direction, stopping the Escalon Cougars 221-225 Thursday in the Trans Valley League showdown.

Zach Capel earned medalist honors by shooting a 2-over-par 37 on the Spring Creek par-35 front nine. Cole Badasarian turned in a 44, while Nick Sharp and Jack Brierly both shot 46. Jason Willilamson was the Indians’ fifth score with a 48.

“They’re the defending division champs, but we’re the defending league champions,” Ripon head coach Chris Mussman said. “I felt going in that we’re a better team this year and we must be because we won despite not playing well.

“Credit our kids for battling through it.”

Soccer

Mariposa 1, Ripon Christian 0

The Knights opened the Southern League schedule with a defensive battle, coming up just short in a 1-0 loss to Mariposa Thursday.

The Knights were coming off a 1-0 win over Riverbank Tuesday and got another impressive effort from goalkeeper Brittany Petlansky. Petlansky made good on 11 saves in the loss. Petlansky had eight in the Knights win over Riverbank.

“Our defense did a good job keeping the strong Mariposa attack away from the goal,” Ripon Christian head coach Kevin Tameling said. “The few times they did get through to goal Brittany made the required save to keep us in it.”

The Knights just missed their opportunity for a nil-nil tie when Mariposa snuck in a loose ball after a failed corner-kick attempt.