Paced by sophomore Cru Sullivan’s 3-under-par 53, the Ripon boys golf team opened the Trans Valley League season with a dominant tournament win Thursday at St. Stanislaus Golf Course in Modesto.

The four-time defending champion Indians netted a 305 score against runner-up Ripon Christian’s 327.

Hughson took third with a 357 and was followed by Sonora (383) and Hilmar (387).

Matthew Ubick of Ripon Christian was the second-place finisher behind Sullivan with an even 56, and fellow Knight Hudson Schenk took third at 1-over. Thomas Graham (68), Carson Cho (73) and Blake Stuit (73) also scored for RC.

Alan Bunchien and Morgan McDonald each carded a 62 for Ripon. Andrew Bogetti added a 63, and Richie Hughes turned in a 65.

The second TVL tourney is next Thursday, March 12 at River Oaks Golf Course.

BASEBALL

East Union 5, Central Catholic 2

In Modesto, the Lancers (1-2, 6-4 overall) were able to salvage a win in their Valley Oak League opening series with previously-undefeated Central Catholic (2-1, 5-1).

Winning pitcher Efren Diaz went the distance, scattering just four hits, while walking one and striking out four. He was able to hold the lead after his offense plated three in the top of the first inning.

Ryan Allen powered the attack with three RBIs, finishing 2 for 4. Peyton Heath went 4 for 4 with three runs and two steals. Lincoln Coenenberg drove in two runs.

Summerville 10, Ripon 5

A seven-run rally in the second was the difference for the host Bears (4-0).

Ripon (5-3) was held to four hits. Landon Espinola belted a double and scored a run. Fabian Nuno and Hunter Weber each had an RBI.

Ripon Christian 10, Bret Harte 3 (5)

The visiting Knights (4-1) amassed runs in the first inning and didn’t look back.

Jack Strickland went 2 for 3 with a double, a run and two RBIs. Tyler Wadlow, Jack De Jong, Noah DeBruyn and Stadtler Postma drove in one run apiece.

Trenton Cloward pitched four innings, firing eight strikeouts against three hits and a walk.

SOFTBALL

Manteca 11, Escalon 0 (5)

Manteca (4-1) put the host Cougars (1-7) away with a six-run barrage in the top of the fifth.

The Buffaloes totaled 11 hits, with Mia Carrasco going 3 for 3 with two doubles, two runs, two steals and three RBIs. Ayva Wilkins went 2 for 4 with a triple, two runs and an RBI. Sierra Owen slugged a home run.

Winning pitcher Isabel Tonna also contributed offensively with an RBI triple. From the circle, she tallied nine strikeouts in a mercy-shortened two-hitter.

Ripon 9, Buhach Colony 8

In the Livingston Tournament, the Indians (5-2) rallied from a four-run deficit and plated five in the fourth for the win.

Ellie Spurzem sparked the attack, going 2 for 3 with a double, a triple and four RBIs. Angelina Martinez was 2 for 2 with a double and three RBIs. Jackie Faria also had two hits, scoring once.

Martinez was the winning pitcher.

Ripon 10, Edison 0

Spurzem continued her hot hitting with two doubles, finishing 2 for 2 with two runs and two RBIs. Maliya Arroyo went 3 for 3. Clara Townsend scored three times, while going 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Izabelle Spurzem (tripled) and Faria each drove in two runs.

Townsend handled pitching duties and twirled a two-hitter.

Lathrop 15, Franklin 1 (5)

Luz De Luna highlighted the Spartans’ attack in Stockton, going 3 for 3 with a triple, three runs and three RBIs. Maci De Costa also had triple with three RBIs. Kailea Flores was 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Tatianna Lopez and Shyla Miranda plated three runs apiece.

De Costa also picked up the win for Lathrop (2-1-1), striking out six in a three-hitter.