Ripon Christian’s football title hopes in the Southern Athletic League took a hit Friday with a 48-28 loss at Le Grand, which broke away with 27 unanswered points.

The tide turned completely in the host Bulldogs’ favor late in the second quarter when they took a 20-14 lead after Jeremiah Lopez’s 12-yard run. Le Grand’s defense then widened the margin in the closing seconds, as Alexis Granados returned a fumble 34 yards.

The deficit grew to 41-14 after a short-yardage touchdown from Lopez with 3:40 left in the third quarter.  The Knights (1-2 SAL, 4-3 overall) answered with 3- and 56-yard scampers by Brady Grondz, but it was too little, too late.

Grant Sonke led Ripon Christian with 14 rushes for 121 yards and two touchdowns. The Knights struggled to get their passing game untracked, completing two of 15 passes for 19 yards. Defensively, Jacob Kowes recorded nine tackles, while Alex Sonke and Micah De Jong had eight each.

Carlos Castaneda highlighted the aerial attack for Le Grand (3-1, 4-3), scoring on 40-, 33- and 54-yard pass plays.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Lathrop 3, Ceres 0

Sydney Hanks accumulated five kills, four blocks and three aces to lead the Spartans’ 25-12, 25-22, 25-12 sweep at Ceres.

Hailey Grant (nine kills, two blocks), LaNicia Ellis (seven kills, block) and Krystle Sakay (six kills, five digs) were also productive at the net. Alaba Olaleye added three kills, and Azul Maldonado served three aces. Thracylie Acoba anchored the defense with 12 digs. Setter Camila De Garza tallied 27 assists and 13 digs.

JV volleyball

Lathrop 2, Ceres 0

Elizabeth Andrade doled out six kills as Lathrop cruised to a 25-14, 25-8 win.

Julia Roaquin registered six service aces and eight assists. Celeste Narvarez had six digs, while Janessa Ward and Mailynn Lindsey added three aces apiece.

Frosh volleyball

Lathrop 2, Ceres 1

Lathrop came away with a hard-earned 25-21, 23-25, 15-8 victory.

Alyssa Roller spearheaded the attack with four kills and 13 assists. Jada Oliver also had four kills to go with three aces. Annie Millan, Sara Valadez and Faith Moya each had three kills.