Ripon scored four goals in the first four minutes Monday and never trailed to open the Valley Oak League water polo campaign, defeating visiting Sierra 22-15 at Ervin Zador Aquatic Center.

“We are saving some contacts for some of our seniors, so we only played about half of our senior group,” Indians coach Erik Zador said. “That gave some of the younger kids an opportunity to gain some experience.

“Sierra has come a long way with its program, so they definitely surprised us in scoring some goals.”

Lucas Rietkerk led the attack for Ripon (1-0 VOL, 3-3 overall), scoring five goals and making a steal.

“It was a fun game,” Rietkerk said. “We could have played a little better though.”

Trevor Bell added four goals, four assists and four steals for the Indians.

“We had the starters in for a little bit,” Bell said. “It was nice to get our JV team playing together before next week’s tournament.”

Indians goalie Andrew Hanker grabbed 13 saves while making two steals and two assists.

“I just try and do my best,” Hanker said. “I see the ball coming so I just try to reach out and grab the ball.

“On the assists I see them going to the cage and I know they are good shooters so I just pass it to them and they score.”

Ripon’s Boen West added three goas and Devin Patel made three steals, a goal and an assist.

Collins Schluer paced the attack for the Timberwolves (0-1, 1-2) with eight goals while Bayan Ballew (three steals, two assists), Carson Murray (two steals, assist) and Kiral Tran added two goals apiece.

Sierra goalie Noah Valdivia made eight saves.

“I was pretty proud of our team today,” Timberwolves coach Corey Winter said. “Especially with Ripon being such a great program, great team.

“It was great to stay that close to them.”

Sierra travels to Stockton to face Lincoln tonight at 6, and the Indians host Mountain House on Wednesday at 4 p.m.