The soccer pitch at Riverbank’s Angelo Novi Stadium saw mixed usage last week, as Trans-Valley League games continued. That is, some matches continued, one did not.
On Monday, Jan. 9, the boys soccer teams hosted the Mustangs of Mountain House for a pair of matches, only somewhat hindered by the rain puddles on the grass.
By the time the varsity game kicked off, mud bogs had formed in front of the goal nets and standing water was making shots difficult to control.
The first three shots on goal the Bruins took should all have scored, but the first hit the left pole, bounced into a puddle in the entrance to the goal and stalled, floating in the water. The second shot launched with a big sheet of muddy water, having started in a pool further away from the goal.
The third shot, from the left side of the goal, got buried in the back of the net for the first score of the game.
Although wet, muddy and cold, the Bruins kept going, scoring two more in the second half, finishing with a 3-0 victory.
On Wednesday, Jan. 11, the varsity team traveled to Hughson, where they posted another 3-0 win in TVL play, this time over the Huskies.
Today, Jan. 18, they’re scheduled to host Ripon High School.
GIRLS SOCCER
Girls soccer didn’t fare as well as the Bruin boys, with a scheduled match at home last Wednesday, Jan. 11. Although the rain had subsided the day before, the field was even wetter than it was for Monday’s boys matches. The Hughson girls showed up, ready to play, but as warm-ups were being completed, referees conferred with both benches, ultimately calling off the game, citing unplayable conditions. Since it was a league game, it likely will be re-scheduled later.
The Lady Bruins had played to a 3-0 loss at Mountain House on Monday, Jan. 9. Today, they’re scheduled to play at Ripon High, then host games against Modesto Christian next Monday and Hilmar next Wednesday.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
On Tuesday last week, girls basketball took over the Ray Fauria Memorial Gymnasium, with both teams facing the Lady Huskies of Hughson.
Although they led for three quarters of the game, the varsity Lady Bruins ran out of steam against a much taller team, eventually falling 64-40. They JV girls also dropped their game, 54-28, but fought hard throughout the contest.
Yesterday, the basketball girls were to host Ripon, and are to travel to Hughson tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 19. Their next home game will be on Thursday, Jan. 26.
BOYS BASKETBALL
In action on the road Tuesday of last week, the varsity Bruins dropped a 72-38 basketball game at Hilmar. The JV team lost a squeaker there, 31-30, in their game. No score was reported for the freshman contest.
On Jan. 17, they were to play at Ripon High, with a Homecoming blowout scheduled for Friday night, Jan. 20 with Riverbank hosting the Huskies of Hughson. Next Tuesday, Jan. 24 they’ll host Mountain House, then travel to Escalon on Friday, Jan. 27.
