STOCKTON — The third time was a charm for the Ripon boys water polo team on Tuesday. After dropping NorCal opening-round contests the last two seasons, the top-seeded Indians walloped No. 8 Cabrillo 20-5 to open the California Interscholastic Federation Division III Northern Regionals at St. Mary’s High’s Cortopassi Aquatics Center.

“This is the first time in school history we have won a NorCal game,” Ripon coach Erik Zador said. “That’s pretty exciting. We are definitely in a good place being the top seed.

“We are hoping to at least make it to finals. That’s what we are shooting for.”

The score was tied at 1-1, and then Ripon (27-6) went on a 10-0 run that ran into the third period. Brody Biedermann helped lead that charge with four goals, two steals and two assists.

“I just wanted to come out and win our first-ever state game,” Biedermann said. “I wanted to help the team out, get assists, steals or goals, whatever it would take to get the win.”

Ryan Bell also posted four goals for the Indians.

“I had a few more opportunities I thought I could have made,” Bell said. “It’s our first-ever state game that we have won. We have played state three years in a row, so I wanted to make some noise for this game.”

Ripon’s Matthew Lee notched three goals along with four steals and three assists.

“I made some opportunities not just for me but for my teammates,” Lee said. “It was a good way to start our state tournament.”

Ripon goalie Andrew Hanker tallied 13 saves. Chethan Harvey (two steals) added three goals, Trevor Bell (two assists, save) two goals with a goal apiece for Devin Patel and Lucas Reitkerk. Nathan Selna chipped in three steals and three assists.

Sean Gummere scored two goals for the Conquistadores (16-10) from Lompoc.

Next up for the Indians in a semifinal match on Thursday is No. 4 Valley Christian from San Jose at Cortopassi Aquatics Center. The match is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. but is subject to change.