Ripon was missing a few of its top players on Wednesday yet still managed to escape Hughson with a much-needed Trans Valley League point.

The Indians held off the Huskies’ valiant second-half effort for a 3-3 tie after giving up a two-goal lead at halftime.

“We are in the (Sac-Joaquin Section Division V) playoff hunt, obviously,” Ripon assistant coach Bryce Perkins said. “(The Escalon loss) on Friday hurt our math for the TVL title. Now we’re working for the No. 2 or 3 spot in the playoffs.

“A win would have been golden and slashed Hughson’s hopes, and we were in position.”

Ripon (4-2-2 TVL, 7-4-2 overall) was in great position.

The Indians went ahead in the 8th minute after Jessica Carmona found the back of the net off a Maci Christian assist. In the 20th minute, Ripon made it 2-0 after Brooklyn Joachim scored off Christian’s second assist of the first quarter of the match.

Carmona scored Ripon’s third goal after Jordyn Wall tallied the assist. The Indians went into halftime ahead 3-1 and looked comfortably ahead. However, the wind was not in Ripon’s favor during the final 40 minutes of the contest.

“We were handicapped,” Perkins said. “Two of our strongest players and our goalie were out, so we had to muscle up with our bench.

“In the second half the wind was ferocious and we were lucky to move it past midfield. We kind of just chewed up the clock and played it out. We hope to grab the third playoff spot over Hughson and we were happy with the outcome.”

Hughson cut its deficit to one goal in the 50th minute and then tied the game in the 60th minute with a penalty kick. Both defenses stood solid for the rest of the match resulting in a tie.

Ripon will resume TVL play and will host Modesto Christian on Friday at Stouffer Field at 5:30 p.m.



Golf

Ripon 200, Riverbank 315

In Valley Springs, Ripon rallied together and reeled off a ninth straight Trans Valley League victory over host Riverbank at the La Contenta Golf Course.

The Indians shot a 200 and were led by a pair of 39s from Kyle Head and Nathan Suender. Jack Brierly finished with a 40. Nick Sharp and Robby Figeroid rounded out the Ripon total with 41s. Casey Floyd’s 42 was a team-low for Riverbank.

Ripon will have a double-match on Wednesday against Orestimba Newman.



Manteca 227, W. Ranch 266

Manteca was paced by Ray Tinnin’s match-low 42 as it knocked off the Cougars.

Justin Morrish carded a 43 and Brandon Ramirez a 44 for the Buffaloes (4-7 VOL, 6-9 overall). Kyle Howard finished with a 46, Davey Tolbert a 53 and Danol hinkston with a 54.

Manny Cataro carded a team low 47 for the Weston Ranch. Bruce Chester-Bradt tallied a 48. Daron Carrillo (50), Felix Buenrostro (57) and Javier Gomez (64) rounded out the total.



Baseball

Ripon 4, Modesto Ch. 0

In Salida, Ripon improved to 2-3 in the Trans Valley League, 10-9 overall after Caleb Rogers pitched a complete game during a shutout over Modesto Christian.

Rogers went the distance and gave up four hits, three walks and tossed nine strikeouts. Michael Ysit went 2 for 3 with two runs and a double. Claudio Santos finished with two RBIs for the Indians, who will resume TVL play on Friday at home against MC at 4 p.m.