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Ripon begins SJS title defense with shellacking of Atwater
Atwater-Ripon boys water polo
Ripon’s McKeane Beier winds up for a goal. - photo by Dave Campbell

 Defending champion Ripon scored three goals in a little more than three minutes Tuesday and never looked back in a 24-7 shellacking of 15th-seeded Atwater in opening-round action of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II boys water polo playoffs at the Ervin Zador Aquatics Center.

This came as no surprise to Indians coach Erik Zador, with second-seeded Ripon (24-5) having played together for years.

“This is a special team,” Zador said. “They have been playing together for quite a while, since eighth grade.

“So, we are really excited to see what they can do this year.”

The Indians got off to a great start with three goals in a little more than three minutes, with Brody Biedermann (four goals, three assists, steal) getting two of those three.

“We wanted to start our post-season off well and set the tone,” Biedermann said. “Getting those two quick goals got things going.”

Ripon’s Andrew Hanker patrolled the net with a vengeance, racking up 14 blocks and six steals. Hanker held the Falcons (11-13) to just one goal in the first half and only three goals until the final three minutes when Atwater broke through for four goals. At one point in the flurry, Hanker posted four saves in 30 seconds.

“I just had to block the balls,” Hanker said. “I just try to be a wall out there and make them think they can’t score on me.”

Boen West came off the bench for the Indians in the second half to score four goals along with posting three assists. West is part of Ripon’s next generation, as he is a freshman.

“Being out there with the other underclassmen, it is great to keep the momentum going,” West said. “It’s really fun.”

Nathan Selna notched three goals and an assist for the Indians, scoring two quick goals to start the second period. McKeane Beier (two steals, two assists) and Ryan Bell (steal) added two goals apiece.

Atwater’s Ethan Sotelo, Hudson Parreira and Grant Williamson scored two goals apiece.

The Indians will host No. 7 Woodcreek of Roseville in a quarterfinal scheduled to start Friday night at 6 at the St. Mary’s Cortopassi Aquatics Center in Stockton.