RIPON — The Ripon High girls' soccer squad made it a clean sweep Thursday of Trans-Valley League rival Hilmar and increased its lead atop the standings.
The Indians did so by scoring a pair of late goals during their 4-2 victory at Stouffer Field.
"They took it upon themselves (to play better) in the second half," said RHS coach Nicole Meyer of her team's spotty play in the first 40 minutes. "They took responsibility.
"They were accountable and they got creative."
Tied 2-2 after Kailey Tijero's 40-yard direct kick, the Indians (7-0 TVL, 12-3-1 overall) went ahead in the 77th minute when Haley Peterson converted on the close-ranged goal that came off a deflected ball kicked by Maddy Winter.
It was the first lead of the game for Ripon.
Reigning champion Hilmar (5-2, 12-8) drew first blood, scoring on a breakaway unassisted shot by Genavieve Fontes from the left side during the 11th minute.
But the Indians countered shortly before the break.
Peterson got past the defense, scoring from straight away at the 37th minute, tying up the game at 1-1.
Devaney Dougherty set up the play, advancing the ball to Winter, who, in turn, found Peterson.
In the second half, Fontes, the Yellowjackets' speedy sophomore forward, was at it again in the 54th minute, eluding a pair of defenders while scoring on yet another unassisted goal.
Tijero then delivered a free kick from distance in the 63rd minute to even up the score.
After Peterson's go-ahead score, Ripon added some insurance in the 79th minute when Ariana Scholten advanced the ball, finding Aubree Pelon for the goal.
Meyer, whose team defeated Hilmar in the earlier meeting, praised her defense, which allowed just its second and third goals since the start of league play.
"Our defense worked extremely hard, as always," she said.
Prior to the game, Ripon recognized Sydney Holt, Nicole Brown, Kate Phelps, Chloe Ward and Jeannette Baliel on Senior Night.
With the exception of Tracy-transfer Brown, these seniors came through the ranks, starting in the successful junior varsity program while playing all four years in the soccer program.
The junior varsity team defeated Hilmar, 4-0.

Ripon Christian 5, Denair 0
The Knights (7-0-2, 12-1-4) took care of business at home Thursday against winless Denair as they geared up their big game next Monday at Mariposa — the two teams previously played to a scoreless draw.
Elle Van Wyngarden contributed a goal in the shutout and assisted two for Janine Prins in the third and 60th minutes. Hailey Brown and Thea Vander Meulen added one goal apiece. Goalie Nicole Chapman came up with four saves.