Ripon Christian dropped just a single set in 14 Southern Athletic League matches this past girls volleyball season, and the Knights’ dominance was also reflected in postseason awards.
Headlined by MVP Jordan Vander Veen, they had six players make the All-SAL team with an additional two earning honorable mention.
The school’s runner-up football team has six all-league honorees, including one major-award winner in Grant Sonke.
Both teams had much to celebrate.
Vander Veen, who has also been named to the MaxPreps Underclass All-America Second Team, led Ripon Christian to its 18th Sac-Joaquin Section title and second California Interscholastic Federation northern regional and state championships. The Knights went 14-0 in capturing a fourth consecutive SAL crown and compiled a 35-6 overall record.
The 5-foot-9 junior outside hitter saved much of her best moments for the postseason, but that’s not to say she didn’t have any during the lopsided contests in league.
She pounded 23 kills and had just one error in 36 attacks in a sweep against Delhi, which she had burned for a season-high 10 aces and 14 service points in their previous SAL match. Her two highest kill percentages came against Denair (11 kills, 84.6%) and Gustine (16 kills, 80.0%).
In league, Vander Veen finished with 179 kills (4.2 per set) with a 50.7 kill and 0.388 hitting percentages. She also had 58 aces and 77 digs. Overall, she amassed 566 kills (4.6 per set), 113 aces and 310 digs.
Joining her on the All-SAL list are senior opposite Ava Van Groningen (231 kills, 66 aces, 32 blocks, 301 digs), senior outside hitter Avery McMurray (150 kills, 56 aces, 234 digs), junior middle Sydney Hoffman (241 kills, 30 blocks), junior libero Leah Van Wyngarden (334 digs, 135 aces) and junior setter Megan Weststeyn (41 kills, 35 aces, 33 blocks, 126 digs, 1,115 assists). Weststeyn’s assist total is sixth most in the state, according to MaxPreps, while Van Wyngarden is No. 8 in aces.
Senior middle blocker Taylor Postma and libero Ellie Dyt made honorable mention.
Football
Sonke was voted Defensive Player of the Year after a standout season at inside linebacker. He is also a second-team running back.
Ripon Christian (6-1 SAL, 11-3 overall) took second in league but seized its first SJS title, defeating Woodland Christian in the Division VII final.
The 5-10, 190-pound Sonke finished second on the team with 93 tackles, 22 for losses, 3.5 sacks, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Offensively, he was the Knights’ leading rusher with 982 yards (9.6 per carry) and 14 touchdowns.
Other first-team selections from Ripon Christian: 6-3, 267-pound junior offensive lineman Carson Bunnell, senior tight end Thys Van Der Hoek (192 yards, five TDs), senior defensive lineman Jacob Kowes (60 tackles, 30 for losses, 7.0 sacks), senior outside linebacker Eli Terpsma (85 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13 hurries) and junior defensive back Brady Grondz (63 tackles, 18 pass defelctions).
Senior quarterback Trey Fasani and senior inside linebacker Dustin Hoekstra made all-league second team, while senior running back Derek Van Elderen and senior receiver Griffin De Abreu got honorable mention.
Orestimba RB/LB Kai Brazil is MVP. Orestimba’s Pedro Barajas and Delhi’s Jose Flores are Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year. Orestimba QB Alex Millan earned Offensive Player of the Year, and Le Grand’s Fermin Villegas was named Offensive Lineman of the Year.
