Football on the road, soccer matches, golf, runners hitting the cross country course and volleyball girls nailing down a win were part of the activities for Bruin sports teams this past week. Following are highlights of the various preseason matches.
FOOTBALL
After learning the sod of their home field wouldn’t be able to support a Sept. 4 game scheduled at home, the Bruin football team headed out to Modesto for a battle with Big Valley Christian in Modesto on Friday night. Big Valley agreed to host and took a 6-0 lead over the Bruins in the first half, increasing the advantage to 22-0 after three quarters. But new head coach Kit Jory and the Bruins battled back, keeping their composure and finding the end zone twice in the final frame. The comeback attempt fell a bit short, the Bruins losing 22-15, but the determination and ability to find the end zone and make it a close contest was a good sign for the team. They will get to host their first home game on the newly dedicated track and athletic fields on Sept. 11, hosting Delhi.
VOLLEYBALL
On the road at Linden for a Thursday, Sept. 3 contest, the Lady Bruins of Riverbank came away with a 3-1 win in non-league play. After dropping the opener by a 15-25 decision, the team gathered themselves and fought to three straight wins against the host Lady Lions, all close games. Riverbank won 25-21, 25-20, 26-24 to close out the match and get the victory.
Earlier, they were at Amador for a Sept. 1 contest and went to four games there, but lost that decision by a 3-1 final. Scores were 18-25, 22-25, 25-23, 14-25.
BOYS SOCCER
Opening up the week at Sonora on Sept. 1, it was a 2-0 loss for the Bruin booters, allowing a goal in each half. Thursday, they took the home pitch against visiting Golden Valley and though the Bruins scored a pair of goals, Golden Valley found the back of the net six times, taking the 6-2 win. Riverbank then headed to Sierra High School for tournament play on Friday and Saturday. They lost a pair of games on Friday, Sept. 4, shut out 2-0 by Atwater and taking a 6-2 loss to Davis, which pummeled the Bruins with five first-half goals. They rebounded on Saturday to edge past Lathrop by a 2-1 final and get a win.
CROSS COUNTRY
Individual times for runners were not available, due to the production schedule for the holiday week, but both the Riverbank varsity boys and girls took the top spot in the first Trans-Valley League meet of the season. Riverbank led the way for the boys, followed by Hughson and Escalon while the varsity Lady Bruins also paced the TVL teams, finishing first. The order was the same on the girls side, Riverbank first, Hughson second and Escalon third. Bruin runners are getting ready for their trip to Hawaii, as they prepare to compete in the Iolani Invitational on the island of Oahu later this month.
GIRLS GOLF
Riverbank uses Escalon as its home course and the girls were on the course Thursday afternoon to host Linden. Results of the contest were not available at press time but coaches John Bartlett and Ismael Mercado said they have a good turnout for golf this season and will be looking for improvement every time out on the course.
