In a spirited battle between reigning Sac-Joaquin Section champions on Tuesday, it was the tidier play of visiting Escalon during clutch situations that was the difference.
To its credit, Ripon Christian was able to challenge the unbeaten Division IV titlist before falling, 25-27, 23-25, 27-25, 14-25. Coach Kayla Kootstra, who previously coached Escalon in 2014 and 15, believes her team can build on the setback. The D-V champion Knights (2-2) showed improvement from their three-set loss to St. Mary’s last Thursday.
“We love to play Escalon and I have history there,” Kootstra said. “They’re always a great program, so it’s good for us to see that caliber of a team early in the season to push us. I’m of the mindset that sometimes we learn more in defeat than we do in a win.
“Not that you like to lose, but this was a great opportunity to play a local team — the girls know each other, it’s a fun atmosphere and it’s competitive. It pushes us to get better so that we’re ready later on in the season when we really need to start peaking.”
Kootstra was pleased with how her team scrapped for three sets, served efficiently (12 aces, three errors) and effectively ran the offense. Jordan Vander Veen led the Knights with 22 kills and five aces, and setter Megan Weststeyn distributed 41 assists. Leah Van Wyngarden racked up 30 digs.
Having to face the likes of Trans-Valley League Most Outstanding Player Emily Vickers gave Kootstra a look at where RC has to improve defensively, specifically with blocking. It was Vickers who put away the final point of the match with a kill.
“Every preseason game we have to treat as an opportunity to get better regardless of outcome,” she said. “Our passing was strong tonight, which is what we’ve been focusing on. Our serving was really strong, too. If we can just put some other things together with that, I think the outcome of these types of games can start to change.”
Ripon Christian had chances to secure the first two sets, leading 21-18 late in each. The Knights were done in by unforced errors. Game 2 ended with the ball dropping between Ripon Christian players after it was set.
“Honestly, it’s just experience,” Kootstra said. “We do have quite a bit of returning players, but it’s just learning how to push to finish games against good teams. We let them make some runs late with some errors on our side compounded by good play on their side.”
Ripon Christian was not discouraged after dropping the first two. In fact, the Knights were able to extend the match after facing match point in Game 2. Gianna Bava’s kill gave the Cougars (8-0) a 24-23 lead, but RC answered with a kill from Ava Van Groningen (seven kills, two blocks) and an ace from Vander Veen. A hitting error from Escalon sent the match into the fourth set.
The Knights eventually ran out of steam, as Escalon broke away from an early tie with a 10-2 run that pushed it ahead 18-10 after a block from Bava.
“I changed up our rotation. I don’t know if that was the difference-maker, but I think we just lost some of the mental toughness we had in the first three games,” Kootstra said. “The errors just piled up, and they’re too good of a team to make errors against. They take advantage of those errors and that showed in the last set.”
Ripon Christian resumes a busy week today and Thursday when they hit the road to face the defending co-champions of the Valley Oak League. The Knights will first head to Manteca before traveling to Central Catholic.
