Ripon was pushed to its first five-game match of the season Thursday night.

The Indians had their final preseason tune-up against visiting Los Banos as they prep for their Trans Valley League opener next week against Escalon.

Ripon evened their record to 5-5 after defeating the Tigers in a fifth and decisive game, 18-25, 26-24, 16-25, 25-22, 15-9.

“We start (TVL) on Tuesday,” Ripon head coach Adrienne Uecker said. “And I’m proud of my kids. Going five games is really hard and it was a good feeling to get the ‘W’.

“I would have obviously liked to finish in less, but Los Banos is a strong team. We beat a good team and some of our kids really stepped up.”

Ripon senior Paige Goodger led the Indians with 16 kills. Senior Emily Brutout recorded 11 kills, while Kylie Stevens (four blocks) and Emily O’Brien (27 digs) combined for six aces.

Danny Arteaga had 30 digs defensively. Setter Jordy Richter dished out 26 assists and Kristen Carhart tallied three blocks to go with seven kills.



Southern League

Ripon Chr. 3, Denair 0

Ripon Christian made it a short night on Thursday during its Southern League opener against Denair, who fell 25-12, 25-12, 25-6.

Senior setter Andie Shelton finished with 10 kills and 14 assists as RC improved to 1-0 SL, 3-4 overall. Senior Teagan Manus finished up with eight digs and four aces, while Amanda Evans tallied up eight digs as well.

The Knights will travel to Gustine Monday, followed by an away game at Turlock Christian Thursday.