Top-seeded Ripon Christian started the defense of its Sac-Joaquin Section Division II coed tennis team title on Friday, knocking off an old rival from the Southern League.

The Knights took care of eighth-seeded Denair, 9-0.

They recorded five 6-0, 6-0 sweeps, and three of the four singles matches were among the shutouts. Alton Mensonides blanked Adam Daniel from the No.1 boys singles spot, and Derek Meester dispatched Jose Saldana by the same score at No. 2 boys singles.

No. 2 girls singles player Kora Harris took care of Shayla Zamora, 6-0, 6-0. Tatum Sonke toppled Piper Northcutt at No. 1 girls singles, 6-1, 6-2.

Neither of the Knights’ No. 1 doubles teams — Emmitt Van Laar/Braden Schaapman and Annika Jung/Natalie Thompson — dropped a game.

The No. 2 boys doubles match was the most competitive. Jack Schaapman and Micah Blackmon prevailed 6-3, 6-2 over Noah Rayon and Chris Torres. Ella Pryor and Makenna Kootstra took the No. 2 girls doubles match, 6-0, 6-2.

Krista Koolhaas and Evan Pryor downed Zeke Silva and Alexa Camacho 6-0, 6-2 at mixed doubles.

Ripon Christian (13-2) will host either Mother Lode League co-champion and No. 4 seed Bret Harte or No. 5 Gustine in the semifinals next Thursday.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Sierra 3, Christian Brothers 1

The No. 5 Timberwolves (19-8) are in the SJS Division III semifinals for a second time after vanquishing fourth-seeded Christian Brothers (15-14) in Sacramento, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 25-20

They’ll face top-seeded Beyer (27-6) next Wednesday in Modesto. It’s a rematch of their Feb. 25 non-league contest won by the Patriots in four.

River Islands 3, Adams Academy 1

Fourth-seeded River Islands (20-5) extended its historic season with the 25-13, 25-19, 24-26, 25-24 win over the Patriots (21-4) from Roseville.

The Riptide will tangle with No. 1 Livingston (36-6) on the road next Wednesday.