With Trans-Valley League contests in their final stages, Riverbank High athletic programs were looking for signs of success in the last few conference matches. The bulk of Riverbank's team sports will not advance to the postseason, but the Bruins saw some big individual highlights late in the year. Following is a summary of Bruin results in baseball, softball, soccer and golf.
Baseball
It's not how you start, but how you finish that matters.
Adrian Gill took that advice to heart in Riverbank's second-to-last series of the year against Hughson. With runners posted at every base and two outs, two strikes recorded, Gill crushed a grand slam to put the Bruins ahead for good.
Riverbank won that contest, 11-8, after a sharp start from Antonio Perez on the mound and a big closing win from Ryan Bowden.
"That was a good win for the program," Riverbank coach Ismael Mercado said. "It's no secret that we have been struggling, but we have been practicing hard and they definitely earned that victory."
Riverbank nearly made it two straight with another win over visiting Hughson on Friday, but couldn't hang on to a three-run lead in the final inning and fell 9-8. Riverbank had the tying run at second with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn't get another clutch at bat.
Bowden tossed six strong innings while Tyler Fipps took the hill in the seventh. Shane Gaynor was 3-for-4 with three doubles and three runs in the loss. Miguel Hernandez batted 2-for-4 with two runs while Bowden managed three hits in four at bats and belted a double.
Riverbank (1-12) is at Ripon (7-6) today and closes the season with a host game vs. the Indians. Both contests will begin at 4 p.m.
Softball
The Lady Bruins rebounded from four consecutive league losses with a 13-2 blowout over Ripon Christian on May 4. Riverbank (5-7) closes TVL action with Ripon, Escalon and Hughson in back-to-back games from May 11 to May 13.
Soccer
Karina Hernandez, Celina Lopez and Paola Medina came through with huge TVL scores against Modesto Christian on May 3 to lead the Lady Bruins to their first league win of the season, 3-2, over the Crusaders.
All three scores were assisted by Erica Orellana.
Kaitlynn Deabenderfer made 13 big saves to keep the Crusaders in check.
Riverbank dropped their next contest in 1-0 fashion to Ripon Christian on May 5.
The Bruins (1-11-3) closed the season against visiting Hughson on Monday, though results were not available at press time.
Golf
Disciplinary issues have reduced Riverbank's golf program to only sophomore standout Zack Vannest, who Riverbank coach John Heaton submitted for TVL player of the year honors. The underclassman has played in every Bruin golf match the past two seasons and has showcased some serious dedication to the sport.
"He is always eager to practice and play," Heaton said. "This young man is what the sport of golf is all about. He is dedicated, and has a strong work ethic."
Baseball
It's not how you start, but how you finish that matters.
Adrian Gill took that advice to heart in Riverbank's second-to-last series of the year against Hughson. With runners posted at every base and two outs, two strikes recorded, Gill crushed a grand slam to put the Bruins ahead for good.
Riverbank won that contest, 11-8, after a sharp start from Antonio Perez on the mound and a big closing win from Ryan Bowden.
"That was a good win for the program," Riverbank coach Ismael Mercado said. "It's no secret that we have been struggling, but we have been practicing hard and they definitely earned that victory."
Riverbank nearly made it two straight with another win over visiting Hughson on Friday, but couldn't hang on to a three-run lead in the final inning and fell 9-8. Riverbank had the tying run at second with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn't get another clutch at bat.
Bowden tossed six strong innings while Tyler Fipps took the hill in the seventh. Shane Gaynor was 3-for-4 with three doubles and three runs in the loss. Miguel Hernandez batted 2-for-4 with two runs while Bowden managed three hits in four at bats and belted a double.
Riverbank (1-12) is at Ripon (7-6) today and closes the season with a host game vs. the Indians. Both contests will begin at 4 p.m.
Softball
The Lady Bruins rebounded from four consecutive league losses with a 13-2 blowout over Ripon Christian on May 4. Riverbank (5-7) closes TVL action with Ripon, Escalon and Hughson in back-to-back games from May 11 to May 13.
Soccer
Karina Hernandez, Celina Lopez and Paola Medina came through with huge TVL scores against Modesto Christian on May 3 to lead the Lady Bruins to their first league win of the season, 3-2, over the Crusaders.
All three scores were assisted by Erica Orellana.
Kaitlynn Deabenderfer made 13 big saves to keep the Crusaders in check.
Riverbank dropped their next contest in 1-0 fashion to Ripon Christian on May 5.
The Bruins (1-11-3) closed the season against visiting Hughson on Monday, though results were not available at press time.
Golf
Disciplinary issues have reduced Riverbank's golf program to only sophomore standout Zack Vannest, who Riverbank coach John Heaton submitted for TVL player of the year honors. The underclassman has played in every Bruin golf match the past two seasons and has showcased some serious dedication to the sport.
"He is always eager to practice and play," Heaton said. "This young man is what the sport of golf is all about. He is dedicated, and has a strong work ethic."
