Hunter Adams wanted to enjoy what may be his last every volleyball match at Ripon High on Tuesday.
One of six seniors honored before the Trans-Valley League match with Hilmar, Adams helped lead the Indians to a mostly-comfortable 25-13, 25-20, 25-19 victory.
Although they were in control for much of the match, the Indians (2-1 TVL, 13-7 overall) allowed their opponent to climb back from some considerable deficits.
In game 2, for example, Ripon led 15-5 at one point, only for the pesky Yellowjackets (0-2, 6-9) to close in, 21-20.
“I read something the other day that said, ‘If you’re not having fun doing something, you’re doing it wrong,’” Adams said. “Today, I just wanted to have fun. Anytime I got in my head or when we started losing some points, I just reminded myself to stay in the game, stay in the moment and have fun.”
The Menlo College commit led the Indians with 14 kills, seven aces and 10 digs. Fellow senior Jalen Wilson contributed five kills and three solo blocks. Ewan West and Anthony Gomez split setting duties and distributed 14 and nine assists, respectively. Junior libero Marquell Marshall chipped in 10 digsand three aces.
“I was able to play the senior six,” Ripon coach Tara Maruyama said. “I just wanted to create a rotation where everyone was covered and could play. This is a good group, and I’m losing six seniors with a lot of experience. They all just trust each other and have great chemistry on the court.”
The Indians’ remaining three regular-season matches are on the road, starting with Riverbank today at 6 p.m. They’ll look to avenge their lone league loss next Tuesday at Livingston.
Maruyama would like to see her team put forth a more consistent effort as it charges to a possible second straight postseason appearance.
“I want them to play to the ability that I know that they can play, and fight for every single point,” she said.
Junior varsity
Ripon 2, Hilmar 0
The Indians had a tidy 25-10, 26-16 sweep that was spearheaded by Leonardo Barrero’s eight service aces and 21 digs.
Max Ferral’s contributed with 11 assists and eight digs. Alexander Alvarellos led the attack with six kills.
