Makaylah Kai Samoranos served the final nine points to help River Islands earn its first girls volleyball win of the season in dramatic fashion Thursday at Grace Davis, 25-23, 25-17, 25-17.

Sophomore setter Corley Simoni led the attack with 20 assists and three aces. Leighann Ruiz and Niamae Devera had 10 and seven kills, respectively.

The difference for the Riptide (1-6), however, was improved play on defense.

“Ultimately, defense wins games,” River Islands coach Rhiannon Genilla said. “It was really rewarding to watch the girls utilizing what we had been working on.”

River Islands also won both lower-level matches. The JV came back to prevail, 14-25, 25-19, 15-8, while the novice swept 25-9. 25-8.

The Riptide host Lathrop on Thursday.

Ripon Christian 3, Tracy 2

The Knights (5-2) pulled out a hard-earned 20-25, 26-24, 25-20, 17-25, 15-7 win at home.

Lauren Mouw and Bailey Brayton had a busy night in the back row, coming through for 30 and 21 digs, respectively. Brooklynn Postma and Rhian Heuvel split setting duties and finished with 24 and 20 assists.

Alyssa Hofman paced the attack with 15 kills. Kylie Koolhaas added eight kills and three blocks. Maddie Sabala also had three blocks.

Tracy won the JV match in three sets and swept the freshman contest.

Central Catholic 3, East Union 2

On Monday, the Lancers (0-1, 4-4 overall) started Valley Oak League play in Modesto and fell short, 21-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-23, 12-15.

Lilyan Frye spearheaded East Union with 12 assists, five kills, three digs, four aces and 18 service points.

Lulu Dayeh contributed 18 assists, six kills and 11 digs. Isabella Lopez Martinez registered five kills and seven solo blocks. Defensive specialist Elle Baluyut had five digs to go with nine service points.

FLAG FOOTBALL

Tracy 7, Lathrop 6

Visiting Tracy (3-1) scored in the fourth quarter and jumped ahead on the conversion try at Bennie Gatto Field.

Morgann Hegler was on the receiving end of Lathrop’s lone touchdown. Aviahna Calderon completed 20 of 31 passes for 150 yards and an interception.

Defensively, Marianna Coon paced the Spartans (3-2) with six flag pulls. Madilynn Nungaray had an interception, and Aaliyah Thompson recorded a sack.

JV girls volleyball

East Union 2, Central Catholic 1

Addie Souza accumulated five assists, five kills and four digs to lead East Union’s 25-18, 19-25, 15-10 victory.

Janelle Lopez contributed three kills and two blocks. Chloe Owens added five assists and two kills.

Novice girls volleyball

East Union 2, Central Catholic 0

The Lancers (1-0, 4-0) coasted to the 25-7, 25-11 win behind Amelia Behler’s three kills, three blocks and eight service points.

Brooklyn Fendley tallied five service points, three kills and three assists.