Ripon High’s boys golf team had a solid start to its season Monday, finishing in a two-way tie for fifth place in the 12-team Del Rio Invitational Preview High School Golf Tournament hosted by Central Catholic in Modesto.

Tournament organizers aim to draw some of the top teams in the Sac-Joaquin Section to their event, which is held annually at Del Rio Country Club.

Tourney host Central Catholic won the title with a 418, two strokes better than Del Oro. Jaahan Nargussi of Del Oro was low medalist with a 74, edging Central Catholic standout and Ripon resident Andrew Bonner by a shot.

Ripon turned in a 450 and was paced by Nick Sharpe’s 82. Also scoring were Kyle Head (85), Nathan Suender (85), Robbie Figeroid (98) and Jack Brierly (100).

While generally pleased with the result, Ripon coach Chris Musseman hoped to get a good gauge of where his team stacks up in the Trans-Valley League with fellow contender Hilmar also competing in the tournament.

“Hilmar is the top dog in our league and we beat them by 21 strokes,” Musseman said. “Hilmar did not play very well, so by no means is this an indication that we are the better team. It’s a good sign for our kids because they know they can compete this year even though we lost four out of our top six players. They just have to keep working hard.”

Ripon continues its busy week with a scrimmage against Manteca today, a live nine-hole match with West High of Tracy at Jack Tone Golf Course Wednesday, and a tri-meet with Ripon Christian and Bret Harte at Spring Creek Golf & Country Club on Thursday.