The Ripon Indians were able to defy the expectations of the majority of the Sac-Joaquin Section, earning a berth into the Division II Boys Water Polo Championships. The Indians championship was cut short though, after running into Sierra Foothill League champion Granite Bay in a 12-3 first round loss.

“They are a program that has been around for awhile and they have won quite a few section championships,” Ripon head coach Eric Zador said. “They are a legitimate program, so for us it was tough; we lost a couple of our starters and we are definitely a small team that people were kind of looking at like ‘Why are they here’.”

Ripon was able to earn itself some respect, falling behind 4-0 early, but salvaging the moment with a more inspired effort defensively over the remainder of the contest. The Indians were able to get on the board with goals from Trevor Smith, Calob Rogers and Zach Scudder. Goal keeper Ryan Jessup gave the club his best effort in the net, turning away a handful of shots in Ripon’s postseason debut.

“I think we were able to hold our own and were able to impress a few people,” Zador said. “They played really good defense, and were able to shut them down on a few plays.

“Our kids really had a good attitude and that is always tough in that kind of situation.”