ESCALON — Ripon tuned up for its toughest stretch in Trans-Valley League play with a 6-1 trouncing of Escalon on Thursday.

The Indians (7-1, 14-5 overall) host Modesto Christian next Tuesday with hopes of avenging its only loss in league, and two days later they’ll head to Hilmar. Modesto Christian and Hilmar are tied for second with 6-1-1 records.

Escalon (3-3-1, 4-6-1) scored the first two goals on Thursday — one for each side. An own goal off a corner kick in the sixth minute pushed the Indians ahead, and Escalon tied it up on the other end of the field five minutes later.

Cindy Alvarez gave Ripon the lead for good with goals in the 30th and 34th minutes with assists from Megan Johnson and Haley Monroe. Haley Simmons, Alyssa Thweatt and Monroe each scored in the second half. Thweatt’s goal came off her own missed penalty kick, which deflected off the Escalon keeper but set her up for an even easier shot.

Southern League

Ripon Christian 2, Orestimba 0

NEWMAN — Abby Buitrago was responsible for both goals, getting both inside the first 13 minutes of the match. She and the Knights (10-0, 13-6) were shut out the rest of the way, however, as Orestimba (3-7, 4-8) picked up its play in the second half.

Bailey Silveira preserved the clean sheet with five saves. Coach Kevin Tameling also lauded Jessica Van Vliet for her play on defense.