Between three team runner-up honors from the Riverbank High cross country team and spectacular defense displayed by the Bruin boys soccer team, it was a big week for Riverbank athletics in mid-October.
Cross Country
All three Bruin cross country squads landed second place honors at the Cowboy Canyon Invitational at Lake Castaic on Saturday.
The varsity girls were paced by an individual title from Mikayla Florez (19 minutes, 23 seconds) on the five-kilometer course. Adriana Rosales (20:08) and Jackie Herrera (20:17) also finished in the top-five for Riverbank. The varsity girls had a good opportunity to win the meet, but ran without Gina Retana and Erica Orellana. Kelyn Murillo (22:32) ran terrific in her first ever varsity competition while Aidee Rosales ran a solid 23:01.
Luis Figueroa took first place in the frosh-soph boys race after a 17:34 time. Adrian Salazar was just behind in second place at 17:47, while Joel Carrillo added a sharp 19:59 performance. Jonathan Beliera (19:03) and Nick Navarro (20:13) also ran solid races.
The junior varsity girls saw an impressive top-five finish from Monica Nunez (23:23). Maritza Lopez (25:25) was impressive in her first long race as well.
"All the kids did a great job," Riverbank coach Monte Wood said. "Many of them came home with medals and all three teams came home with a trophy."
The Bruins will take on the Trans Valley League championships on Oct. 27 in Modesto.
Soccer
Rafael Ramirez has steadily developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the area, and put his talents on display last week during a pair of shutouts against two of the more talented teams in the TVL.
His biggest highlights came in an incredible 23-save effort during a 5-0 dismantling of Orestimba on October 13.
"I saw my keeper (Ramirez) play the best game ever in my 23 years of coaching," Riverbank coach Martin Gonzales said.
Quintero Rodrigo, Jonathan Solano, Jonathan Rodriguez, Eric Hernandez and Carlos Jimenez scored on Hilmar while Mauricio Rosales, Kenny Veliz, Christian Contreras, Daniel Ramos and Hernandez dished out assists. Ramirez added eight saves in a 3-0 shutout of Escalon two days prior. He saw Rodrigo, Martin Pantoja and Rodriguez score while Veliz delivered an assist.
Riverbank (8-0-1 TVL) hosted Hilmar on Tuesday, though results were not available at press time.
The Bruins are in sole possession of first place in the league standings after a tie and loss from former league leader Hughson (5-1-2) last week.
If Riverbank wins two their three remaining conference games they will take the TVL championship and first seed into the postseason.
Cross Country
All three Bruin cross country squads landed second place honors at the Cowboy Canyon Invitational at Lake Castaic on Saturday.
The varsity girls were paced by an individual title from Mikayla Florez (19 minutes, 23 seconds) on the five-kilometer course. Adriana Rosales (20:08) and Jackie Herrera (20:17) also finished in the top-five for Riverbank. The varsity girls had a good opportunity to win the meet, but ran without Gina Retana and Erica Orellana. Kelyn Murillo (22:32) ran terrific in her first ever varsity competition while Aidee Rosales ran a solid 23:01.
Luis Figueroa took first place in the frosh-soph boys race after a 17:34 time. Adrian Salazar was just behind in second place at 17:47, while Joel Carrillo added a sharp 19:59 performance. Jonathan Beliera (19:03) and Nick Navarro (20:13) also ran solid races.
The junior varsity girls saw an impressive top-five finish from Monica Nunez (23:23). Maritza Lopez (25:25) was impressive in her first long race as well.
"All the kids did a great job," Riverbank coach Monte Wood said. "Many of them came home with medals and all three teams came home with a trophy."
The Bruins will take on the Trans Valley League championships on Oct. 27 in Modesto.
Soccer
Rafael Ramirez has steadily developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the area, and put his talents on display last week during a pair of shutouts against two of the more talented teams in the TVL.
His biggest highlights came in an incredible 23-save effort during a 5-0 dismantling of Orestimba on October 13.
"I saw my keeper (Ramirez) play the best game ever in my 23 years of coaching," Riverbank coach Martin Gonzales said.
Quintero Rodrigo, Jonathan Solano, Jonathan Rodriguez, Eric Hernandez and Carlos Jimenez scored on Hilmar while Mauricio Rosales, Kenny Veliz, Christian Contreras, Daniel Ramos and Hernandez dished out assists. Ramirez added eight saves in a 3-0 shutout of Escalon two days prior. He saw Rodrigo, Martin Pantoja and Rodriguez score while Veliz delivered an assist.
Riverbank (8-0-1 TVL) hosted Hilmar on Tuesday, though results were not available at press time.
The Bruins are in sole possession of first place in the league standings after a tie and loss from former league leader Hughson (5-1-2) last week.
If Riverbank wins two their three remaining conference games they will take the TVL championship and first seed into the postseason.
