There are two ways a local high school volleyball team can win its last game of the year – finish out of the money, or win a California state championship.
The Ripon Christian girls volleyball team won its last game of the last two seasons, and it was not because they finished out of the money.
The Knights are defending back-to-back state champions, and they will be facing significant changes. They have moved out of the Division V Southern Athletic League into the more competitive Division IV Trans-Valley League and will compete in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs, thanks to the SJS Continued Success policy.
“We will be focusing on doing the basics well and staying in the moment without worrying about what happened before or what we have ahead. We need to give our best and work to improve every day, and if we do that I think we will be in a good spot at the end of the season.”
Reagan Van Der Hoek and Anneke Dyt will lead a small senior returning contingent
Libero and defensive specialist Dyt is basking in the wake of the state championship, but realizes the pressure that presents.
“It feels really good,” Dyt said of last year’s state title. “It’s a lot of pressure but it gives us something to work toward.
“Last year and the year before we were a really good team, and this gives us a challenge to be better this year.”
In addition to winning consecutive state championships, last year was the second in a row that the Knights graduated seven players.
“Obviously, we lost some key players,” Kootstra said. “Jordan Vander Veen was a four-year varsity starter and one of the best players in our area. Losing her competitiveness and all-around play will be a hard replacement. Leah Van Wyngarden was a dynamic player who made key plays in big moments. Sydney Hoffman opened up our offense in the middle and really improved her blocking to be a factor in our run, and Megan Weststeyn ran our offense as setter the last two years with poise and calm.
“It will be a completely different team stepping on the court this year, but we have girls with a lot of talent, and I am excited to watch them right their own story for this season.”
Junior Brynn Bohn was a key factor in the middle last season, and Kootstra looks for her to help anchor the offense and bring some experience in big situations. Seven additional juniors join Bohn, including outside hitter Paige Van Hofwegen with Alanna Blanco stepping in to set and bring some flow to the offense.
Van Hofwegen was called up for the playoffs last year and is looking forward to a full varsity season.
“This is exciting,” Van Hofwegen said. “We have good coaches and a good team.
“Since we got moved up to the TVL we will have a lot more competition.”
Ripon Christian hosts Tracy to kick off the 2024 campaign on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m.
