Bulletin staff reports
RIPON — In a matchup between the Southern League’s top two teams from last year, Ripon Christian rolled past Orestimba 5-1 behind a three-goal barrage from scoring ace Abby Buitrago.
The two-time reigning league MVP made her first appearance after missing the Knights’ last six games with an injury.
“Abby is such a special talent in the opposing team’s final third of the field,” Ripon Christian coach Kevin Tameling said. “She can find the smallest bit of space to exploit against the defense and has an uncanny ability to finish.”
Ripon Christian (2-0 SL, 5-5 overall) tallied the game’s first two goals starting with Cynthia Van Vliet’s impressive volley after an Orestimba player tried to clear it away from the defensive line. Bailey Broker later set up Buitrago’s first goal with a well-timed through ball as the Knights doubled their lead.
Orestimba (1-2, 2-3) answered minutes later with Ana Martinez’s goal from inside the penalty box. Buitrago struck twice more and completed her hat trick in the second half with another assist from Broker. Lauren Williams capped scoring with five minutes remaining.
Rachel Faure, Molly Hoeksema and Sam Carvahlo each contributed with assists. Bailey Silveira had three saves.
“We had several players step up today in unsung roles,” Tameling said. “Bailey Broker gave us a spark in the midfield. The team fed off her hustle and determination.”

Trans-Valley League
Ripon 3, Escalon 0
RIPON — The Indians (2-0, 8-4) did all of their damage in the first half, getting two goals from Alaina Cornilsen in the 16th and 39th minutes. Aaliya Reedy added one goal, and Cindy Alvarez had two assists. Hailey Simmons assisted Cornilsen’s second goal with a corner-kick cross.
Goalie Courtney Slamon recorded five saves and preserved the shutout — the fourth consecutive for Ripon — with a 1-on-1 save in the second half.
“We came out flat in the second half and I wanted us to be more aggressive,” Ripon coach Jamie DeBruyn said. “But overall it was a good defensive and offensive game for us.”