Already down its starting quarterback, Ripon lost its top playmaker to injury Wednesday in a 12-6 setback against visiting Riverbank.

The hope for the Indians (2-6) was to build off the momentum from a successful weekend showing in the Livingston Tournament, where they notched the first varsity wins in their fledgling program’s history. The Riverbank game is their final tune-up for Trans-Valley League play, which begins Sept. 23 against a tough Orestimba squad.

“The girls have it in them, they know they do,” Ripon coach Louis Rivera said. “I believe in them. Today, was just a bump in the road. Sometimes you have bad luck. It just wasn’t our day.”

Tati Perez filled in at quarterback for Leila Sanchez, who was tending to a family commitment, completing 11 of 26 passes for 145 yards and three interceptions. The Indians were off and running when they scored on the first play of the game, as Starla Skiles turned a short reception into an 80-yard touchdown.

That was all Ripon could muster offensively. Skiles, who qualified for the state meet in track last spring, injured a hand late in the first half and did not return. She finished with 119 yards on four catches and an additional 18 yards on three rushes. Skiles also keyed the defense with two flag pulls and pass deflection in the first half.

“She’s a huge piece of the offense,” Rivera said. “With her out, a few girls who have not practiced in her positions have to step up. Starla is a special player. When you take that away, it’s tough to overcome that.”

Emily Paxton led the defense with five flag pulls, and Tori Rich had four.

Ripon was also hampered by some bad bounces, with multiple tipped balls falling into the hands of Riverbank players for catches or interceptions.

Naomi Jimenez scored both touchdowns for Riverbank (2-7) — a 10-yard catch early in the first half, and a 1-yard run in the second half. She finished with 107 yards from scrimmage on seven runs and seven receptions.

Ariana Guel, Sabrina Guel and Audrey Richey each had an interception.

Rivera remains optimistic despite the result. On Saturday, Ripon held off Torres 19-18 and TVL rival Hughson 19-12 for its first-ever wins. The Indians then faced tourney host Livingston, the third-ranked team in the Sac-Joaquin Section and No. 9 in the state, according to MaxPreps computer ratings. They lost, 37-6.

The majority of teams Ripon has faced in its brutal non-league schedule are ranked highly in the SJS.

“We played pretty hard this past weekend and played well,” Rivera said. “Today, I think they may have been a little tired, plus we’re missing a couple of players.

“When the girls are playing the No. 9 team in the state, or the No. 40 in the state, they hang with them. It tells them they can play with them, but we have to play our game.”