Ripon High’s girls golf team put together its best round of the season Thursday, and just in time with the Valley Foothill League North Division Tournament looming.

The Indians upset first-place Escalon at Escalon Golf Course, 158-169. The Cougars already had the outright championship, their sixth in a row, secured but was playing for a perfect 10-0 finish.

Ripon had other plans.

“I have coached different sports for the past 12 years, and this is the most proud I’ve been of a team,” Ripon coach Eric Dambrosio said. “Everybody probably figured we were going to lose at Escalon at their house, but the girls kept their focus, stayed under control and just hit great shots from tee to green.”

Hailey Rae Rose was low medalist with a 5-over-32. Sienna Starck took second with a 38, and Erin Wever was tied for fourth overall with a 40. Alex Gonzales’ 43 rounded out the Indians’ score.

Escalon was paced by its No. 5 player, Lauren Ballard, who carded a 39.

Ripon will battle with Bret Harte for the second and final Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI playoff berth allotted to the VFL — North. Both teams are 7-3, with Bret Harte sweeping the dual matches and Ripon besting the Bullfrogs in the league’s mid-year tournament.

The VFL — North finale is next Monday at Micke Grove Golf Links. Ripon advances by beating or tying Bret Harte.



Orestimba 199,

Ripon Christian 200

The Knights were two strokes shy of notching their first VFL — South win Tuesday at Jack Tone Golf Course’s par-31 front nine.

Kaitlyn Groshong finished 12-over 43 for medalist honors. Lauren Van Till added a 50, and Rachel Struiskma turned in a 51. Peyton Aguilar (46) and Giana Naegeli (49) paced Orestimba (2-5).



Hilmar 170, Ripon Christian 190

The Yellowjackets (8-0) capped the regular season without a loss following their commanding win over RC.

Hilmar’s Makena Azevedo and Groshong shared the low score of 39. Till (47), Struiksma (50) and Caroline Strong (54) made up the rest of Ripon Christian’s score.



VALLEY OAK LEAGUE

Manteca 229, Lathrop DQ

Kaylie Grimes and Katie Hankins each recorded a season-best 6-over-par 38 Thursday at French Camp Golf Course.

Isabella Garcia-Mendez and Dominique Graham both scored a 50. Manteca ends regular-season play with a 6-8 record. The Buffaloes were in the hunt for an SJS playoff berth but suffered three close losses during the second half of league by a combined eight-stroke margin.



East Union 225,

 Kimball 272

The Lancers (14-0) can now concentrate on capturing their seven straight VOL title and more after wrapping up the regular season Thursday at Tracy Country Club.

Brooke Riley checked in with a 1-over 37 on the front nine. Kimball’s Taylor Honnoll tied Breanna Perkins of East Union for second place with a 44. Jordan Vinson (46), Brittany Ugalino (47) and Rebeca Leonard (50) were other scoring contributors for EU.

The VOL Tournament takes place next Tuesday at Micke Grove Golf Links.