Two-time defending state champion Ripon Christian started a little slow Tuesday against visiting Lathrop to open the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III girls volleyball playoffs.

The fourth-seeded Knights never trailed after the first set and swept No. 13 Lathrop, 25-17, 25-15, 25-17.

There were four ties and two lead changes in the first set, with Ripon Christian (18-15) taking the lead for good at 7-6. The Spartans (20-9) made runs late in the second and third sets but could not close the gap.

“There were definitely some nerves,” Knights coach Kayla Kootstra said. “We have an inexperienced group when it comes to playoffs, and in our first set you could see that a little bit back and forth.

“After that, we settled in. We had a few hiccups in the second and third sets, but for the most part I was really happy with the consistency of our play.”

Ripon Christian’s Alanna Blanco dished out 34 assists along with two aces.

“These hitters are amazing,” Blanco said. “I do the best I can with the passes I get.

“Coach told us to leave it all on the court, because any game can be our last one, and I am doing it for the seniors.”

Paige Van Hofwegen paced the Knights attack with 12 digs and nine kills.

“We were playing good defense,” Van Hofwegen said. “We had a good block, and that helped us read the seams.”

Ripon Christian’s Brynn Bohn added nine kills.

“It was the first game of playoffs, so there were a lot of nerves,” Bohn said. “I think we can go far if we play our best, and I am really proud of us.

“We played with a lot of energy and we played cohesively, and that is what we have been working on.”

Knights libero Anneka Dyt was all over the court with 13 digs.

“We came in knowing this could be our last game,” Dyt said. “So I think that made us work harder and give it our all on the court.”

Ripon Christian’s Haley Kootstra chipped in eight kills.

Lathrop’s Siliana Fa’ataualofa posted five kills and three digs. Justine Mabutas (seven digs, two aces), Elizabeth Andrade (eight kills, five digs, three aces) and Ayden Petroff (16 assists, four digs) rounded out the Spartans attack.

“This was disappointing,” Lathrop coach Toa Fa’ali’i said. “But as we know, Ripon Christian is a great team. It is always tough playing Ripon Christian, because they have good talent, they are well-coached.

“Congratulations to them for moving onto the next round, but nothing to take away from my girls. We had a great season and we are Western Athletic Conference champions.”

The Knights host either No. 5 Central Catholic or 12th-seeded Nevada Union on Thursday night at 6.