The Southern Athletic League girls soccer title goes through Ripon Christian after the Knights defeated Gustine at home Thursday, 2-0.

The two teams previously battled to a tie. Ripon Christian (8-0-1, 15-4-2 overall) has one more challenge of note in the final two weeks of the regular season, as it travels to third-place Mariposa next week.

It didn’t take Maya DeJong long to leave her mark Thursday, scoring 1 minute, 46 seconds into the match. Sarah Vander Veen doubled the lead 5 minutes later.

Goalkeeper Tara Heida stuffed the best scoring opportunity for Gustine (5-1-1, 9-7-1) on a breakaway.

Ripon 1, Riverbank 0

The Indians (8-0, 19-3 overall) are closer to a Trans-Valley League title but had reason for worry in this near-upset Wednesday.

Riverbank (2-6, 4-13-2) had an opportunity to notch a surprising draw when it was awarded a penalty kick in the final minute. Ripon goalkeeper Elena Parenti-Gomez deflected the shot and managed to dive onto the loose ball during the wild scramble on the rebound.

The lone goal was scored by Kaitlyn Espinola in the 30th minute. She was assisted by Katie Rhodes’ throw-in. Ripon can clinch the league crown tonight at home with a win over second-place Livingston.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Lathrop 54, Grace Davis 42

Lathrop (8-2 Western Athletic Conference, 18-6 overall jumped out to a 25-10 first-quarter lead and expanded it with a 15-4 third quarter.

Kierstin Constantino led the way with 13 points, Isa Paniagua had 11 and Egypt Jenkins eight.

Central Catholic 45, Sierra 40

The Timberwolves (2-4 Valley Oak League, 5-9 overall) came up short at Central Catholic (2-5, 5-13).

Emma Gilmore, Briana Parker and Olivia Werner scored nine points apiece. Grace Langenfeld ground out eight points and 11 rebounds.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Lathrop 62, Pacheco 46

The WAC-leading Spartans (8-1, 11-9 overall) built a 37-24 halftime lead and put it away with an 18-point outburst in the fourth quarter Wednesday.

Kameron Jones tallied all 15 of his team-high points in the first half. Camryn Hayes scored all of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, making three 3s. Izaias White contributed 11 points.

Joseph Costa paced host Pacheco (1-4, 6-7) with 10 points.

JV girls basketball

Lathrop 64, Grace Davis 24

Haven Urbina-Thierry erupted for 27 points in the blowout win for Lathrop, which remains undefeated in the WAC at 9-0.

Taimane Lowery contributed 15 points and six steals to the onslaught. Alaba Olaleye pitched in with 10 points.