OAKDALE — Ripon rebounded from its Trans-Valley League-opening loss in a big way, topping host Escalon 210-222 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club on Wednesday.

Though there is still plenty of golf to be played, Indians coach Chris Musseman said that splitting against the team’s chief rivals in the first two matches puts it in a good spot to defend its championship.

“This is the first time I’ve felt like we played to our potential, and this was possibly a little above it,” Musseman said. “But we are right around where we should be. If we can keep this going and stay in this range we have a shot to have a really good year.”

Freshman Connor Larkin was low-medalist with an impressive 1-under 35. Justin Brito and Luis Candido produced 41s. Rhet Herrin added a 44, and Trent Hawes rounded out Ripon’s score with a 49. 

Escalon’s Zach Gardner and Tim Wallace finished second and third, respectively, with a 39 and 40. The Cougars dropped to 2-1, while Ripon is 1-1 in league and 3-1 overall.

Ripon is back in action today at Modesto Municipal Golf Course where Modesto Christian awaits.

Valley Oak League

Oakdale 213, Lathrop 275

TRACY — Lathrop sophomore Christian Guzman shared medalist honors with Oakdale’s Zachary Tamburrino. They each turned in a 40 at Old River Golf Course’s links-style front nine.

The visiting Mustangs (3-1 VOL, 5-1 overall) otherwise dominated, with three others finishing with a 43 or less. Scoring for Lathrop (0-3, 1-4) were Andrew Lorentz (60), Curtis Kimbro (59), Robby Horrocks (58) and Robert Berndt (58).

Sierra 275,

Weston Ranch 309

STOCKTON — Weston Ranch’s Austin Thao took first place with a 3-over 39 at Van Buskirk Golf Course.

Sierra (2-0) managed to win without a single sub-50 score. David Ketner, Nathaniel Livingston and Evan Brazell each carded a 53. David Perry contributed a 57, and Dillon St. Clair had a 59.

Central Catholic 191,

Manteca 278

The first-place Raiders had the six best scores with Tyler Ward’s 2-under 35 leading the charge at Manteca Park Golf Course.

Alex Armendariz (51), Ray Gallardo (52), Isaac Bill (55), Ruben Hurtado (60) and Johnny White (60) scored for Manteca (0-2). Both Manteca and Sierra host Oakdale today.