Ripon put together a strong finish to its Trans-Valley League championship run on Thursday, although the heated match with visiting Hughson ended prematurely.

A scuffle broke out in the 57th minute with the Indians leading 2-0, resulting in several bookings that will leave them two key starters short next Tuesday when the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs begin. Coaches from both teams agreed to call off the rest of the contest.

“It was unfortunate,” Ripon coach Jamie DeBruyn said. “We lose two starting defenders (for the first round) who pretty much play the entire game — one is a captain and the other is probably my best 1-on-1 defender. But the team is deep enough that when girls get tossed in new positions they usually stepped up. Yes, they’ll be missed, but I don’t have any doubt other girls will fill spots as needed.”

Ripon (9-0-1 TVL, 16-1-1 overall) was in control of the contest before the melee. Freshman Cindy Alvarez scored her 10th goal of the season in the ninth minute on an assist from Amanda Evans. Sara Souza doubled the lead with a 40-yard bomb in the 38th. Goalie Courtney Slamon was hardly tested, as she finished with two saves.

“Finishing strong helps to go into the playoffs,” DeBruyn said. “We wanted to go out on a winning note and the girls were ready to play. It was Senior Night and they were pumped and ready to go from the opening whistle. They set the momentum for the rest of the half and probably dominated the majority of possession.”



Southern League

Ripon Christian 3,
 Denair 0

In Denair, the Knights (13-0-1, 16-6-1) dominated in their final tune-up for the SJS playoffs.

The section’s reigning Division VII champions got two goals from Abby Buitrago and one from Libby Rivera. Ripon Christian had trouble putting away early chances until Rivera, shortly after subbing into the game, took a cross from Alex Erdelatz and placed it over the head of Denair keeper Selena Ortiz.

Goalies Bryanna Heida and Lauren DeVries combined for the team’s 10th shutout in league.

“The team is proud of their achievements in the Southern League, but they know the season is not over,” Ripon Christian coach Kevin Tameling said.