The on again, off again rains in the Central Valley left playing fields on the RHS campus too soggy for action early last week. By late in the week, some contests were played but the Bruins, like many teams around the region, are having difficulty getting into a rhythm because of the unpredictable schedule. Following is a recap of the games that did occur.
Girls Softball
First to feel the effects of the wet fields was the softball team, which had a scheduled game against Le Grand for Monday, March 14, and against Modesto High on Tuesday canceled by standing water on the infields.
On Wednesday, March 16, the Lady Bruins found favorable conditions when they traveled to Stockton to take on Stagg High School. They took out the Lady Delta Kings, 17-7.
On Thursday, March 17, Riverbank hosted the Lady Grizzlies of Mariposa County, winning 3-1. On Friday, they traveled to Oakhurst to win against the Lady Badgers of Yosemite High, 10-4.
This week, the girls were to meet Big Valley Christian twice, away on Monday, March 21, and at home today, March 23. That closes out softball until after spring break next week.
Boys Baseball
Bruin baseball had an unscheduled game pop up, with Riverbank hosting the Grizzlies of Mariposa County on Thursday, March 17, which they won in a close contest, 8-6. JV scores were not reported.
Riverbank was scheduled to visit Hilmar’s Yellowjackets yesterday, March 22, and then host them tomorrow, March 24. After that, they’re off for spring break.
Girls Soccer
The Lady Bruins went to Hilmar on Tuesday, March 15, coming up short, 7-2, then traveled to Escalon on Thursday, March 17, where they lost to the Lady Cougars, 4-1.
They were to host the Mountain House Lady Mustangs yesterday, March 22 after The News went to press, then travel to Hughson to meet the Lady Huskies on Thursday, March 24, before spring break.
Track & Field
It was busy last week for the tracksters, with the Trans Valley League/Mother Lode League Challenge at Calaveras High School on Thursday, March 17. Then they went in two directions, with some competing in the County Clash at Oakdale High, others competing in the Bella Vista Distance Carnival in Fair Oaks, both on Friday, March 18.
This week, Riverbank was scheduled to host the Trans-Valley League Relays on Tuesday at the new all-weather track in Angelo Novi Stadium to round out the pre-spring break action.
Tennis
In Trans-Valley League action on Friday, March 18, the Escalon Cougars came to the home courts, with host Riverbank winning the close match 5-4, according to coach Bruce Edwards.
The Bruins won all the boys singles and doubles matches as well as mixed doubles, he said, but Escalon won all the girls matches easily. Most of the Lady Bruin players are new to tennis, he noted.
Riverbank’s #2 seed, Nathaniel Martinez, played against Escalon’s #1, and Martinez took the win in a solid effort, 6-2, 6-2.
Both mixed doubles teams did well, the coach said.
In girls action, the Cougars were totally dominant, with Riverbank winning only three games to Escalon’s 48. Riverbank had to play four girls who had only been competing three weeks against girls who had been playing tennis for up to four years.
Coach Edwards recognized the hard work of the girls team: #1 singles - Jessica Vasquez, #2 singles - Cammi Mauchley, #1 doubles - Jackie Rodriguez and Jackie Pantoja, and # 2 doubles - Jasmine Rubio and Lily Trevino.
The Bruin tennis teams were to host the Ripon Indians yesterday, before traveling to Mountain House to take on the Mustangs tomorrow, Thursday, March 24, before spring break.
