Gabbi Ilardi is heading back to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships, but this time she’s bringing some friends.
She led Ripon to its second SJS Division V Tournament title Thursday at Yolo Fliers Club in Woodland. The now two-time divisional medalist finished with an even-par 72, while the Indians carded a 462 as a team. Colfax was the runner-up with a 491. Only one Division V school qualifies for the SJS Masters along with the top six individuals not part of the championship team.
Zoe Bremer and Katie Martin backed Ilardi with 83s, Adrianna DiGiulio finished with a 109 and Vivian Parsons and Aaliyah Martinez each had a 115.
Advancing as individuals are Theresa Shaw (75) and Corine Shaw (80) from Bear River, Union Mine’s Lily McGowan (75), Delta Charter’s Gabi Franco (76), Colfax’s Melia Gustavson (82) and Argonaut’s Ashley Rouen (84).
The SJS Masters Tournament is on Monday at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton.
VOLLEYBALL
SJS Division IV playoffs
Ripon 3, Calaveras 1
The No. 3 Indians (22-9) secured a spot in the Section semifinals at NorCal regionals with their 25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 25-12 win. They travel to Sonora (21-1) on Tuesday.
Ripon coach Chuck Sterni lauded No. 6 Calaveras (20-12) for its scrappy defensive play, but his team was too strong from the service line.
“Our serving was on point tonight,” Sterni said. “We only had four errors and came back down 10 points to win the second set because we were able to move the ball around on them with our serving and hitting. I think we just wore them out.”
Avery McKiernan led Ripon’s balanced attack with eight kills, while Sierra Barrios added seven kills and four blocks. Danika Matuska had six kills and four blocks.
Reagan Wilkerson Kaya Whittaker distributed 47 and 42 assists, respectively. Bella Chapin paced the defense with 29 digs.
CROSS COUNTRY
WAC Championships
Taimane Lowery of Lathrop placed sixth in 22 minutes, 19.3 seconds in the varsity girls race to earn all-league honors Wednesday at O’Neill Forebay in Los Banos.
The Spartans took second as a team in the league finale and finished as the overall runner-up behind Los Banos. Neftali Soto Aguilar, Stephanie Andrade and Veronica Rodriguez finished 12th-14th for Lathrop.
Beyer is the varsity boys champion, with Lathrop coming in sixth. Jesus Sanchez and Aron Camacho led the Spartans in 18-19th place.
Miguel Gonzales was the Spartans’ top performer in the frosh-soph races, taking 10th in the boys competition.
BOYS WATER POLO
Oakdale 18, Sierra 1
The Timberwolves avoided the shutout thanks to Mitch Van Zwaluwenburg’s late goal.
Oakdale finished with a share of the Valley Oak League title and had five goals from Ethan Esponsia. Sierra wrapped up its best season in the program’s short history with a 4-6 record in league and 7-10 overall.
Oakdale 10, Sierra 6
Sierra (2-4, 6-6) fared well against the playoff-bound Mustangs in its season finale.
The Timberwolves battled back after falling behind 5-0 in the second quarter. Lauren Ellis and Gianna Ramos spearheaded the comeback attempt with two goals apiece, while Amy Fadeff and Stefany Perez scored one each.
