Led once again by Chad Flory, Ripon High’s boys golf team completed its perfect run in the Trans-Valley League on Monday and captured its third straight championship.
The Indians shot an impressive 390 despite the blustery conditions at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton, and Flory was low medalist with an even 72. Flory ran away with the Most Outstanding Golfer award, and teammate Jeremie Little is MVP.
All six of Ripon’s players earned all-league spots, and the top five finishers in the overall points standings are Indians. The regular season consisted of six 18-hole tournaments leading up to the league finale.
Hughson produced the second best score Monday with a 462. Hilmar (508), Livingston (532) and Escalon (582) followed suit.
“It’s been really fun to watch these kids,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said. “At the beginning of the year, I knew we had two kids who were pretty good, I just wasn’t sure what the rest would be. To watch Ty Herrin develop as a golfer this year has been amazing. Same thing with Vince Uecker and Marcus Atienza. Our freshman Richie Hughes showed up out of nowhere — he just played with his dad on weekends and ended up being pretty good.
“Score-wise, this is one of the best teams I have had here.”
Herrin was the runner-up in the league finale with a 3-over 75. It’s his first official round in the 70s. Atienza was third with a 78, Little added an 80, Uecker an 85 and Hughes had the throw-away score of 91.
As for Flory, he had a dominant league season in which he finished 17-under in the seven tournaments.
“He’s a special player and a great kid — couldn’t be happier for him,” Musseman said. “When he came in as a freshman, we had three or four really good freshmen. Over time, one moved to Tennessee and another decided not to play this year. He stuck it out and is a special talent.”
Ripon will defend its Sac-Joaquin Section Division V championship next Monday, May 8 at Peach Tree Golf & Country Club in Marysville.
BASEBALL
Manteca 15, Central Catholic 3
In Modesto, the Buffaloes (7-6, 15-9 overall) handed first-place Central Catholic (10-3, 14-7-1) its worst loss of the Valley Oak League season and ended its eight-game winning streak.
Alex Murrietta had a monster day at the plate, going 3 for 3 with two homers, a double, eight RBIs and five runs. He was also the winning pitcher, giving up seven hits, four walks and striking out four in 6 2/3 innings.
Colton Murillo contributed a double and four RBIs with his 3-for-4 effort. Jayson Ingraca went 3 for 5 with two runs. Rex Watson was 2 for 2 with a double and five runs. Chris Chavez finished 2 for 5 with a double and two runs.
East Union 7, Kimball 4
The Lancers (5-8, 11-10) broke away from a 4-4 tie with three runs in the top of the sixth inning.
Sophomore Blake Mount was the starting pitcher, firing six strikeouts in four innings. Zach Grabowski fanned five in three innings in relief for the win.
Ace Avelar (2 for 3, two runs, RBI), A.J. Vasquez (2 for 4, double, RBI) and Ashton Heath (2 for 3) doled out two hits apiece.
