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Riverbank Varsity Girls Let One Slip To Knights
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After establishing themselves as the superior squad during first half action, the Riverbank Lady Bruins basketball team saw its lackluster second half performance cost the squad its first Trans-Valley League victory when Ripon Christian edged Riverbank out, 37-32, in action Tuesday, Jan. 22 at Riverbank High.

The Lady Bruins came out of the gates strong, outscoring the Knights in both of the initial two quarters, but could not find the mark in the second half, connecting on just four points in the pivotal final period. Ripon Christian's halftime adjustments proved to be the difference, as the Knights came out in the third period and put up their best quarter of the contest. Ripon Christian was able to hold the Lady Bruins to nine points in the third period, while putting up the best quarter offensively of the contest.

Riverbank could not rebound from the 16-point Ripon Christian third period, faltering in TVL action for their eighth consecutive time.

Things did not get any easier for the Lady Bruins as the middle-of-the-pack Ripon Indians came to town, with the varsity girls falling to Ripon 42-27 in TVL action.

Riverbank could not get things going early against the Indians, dropping behind Ripon 20-10 after one half of play. Even though the Lady Bruins did not let the contest get out of hand, the ladies were unable to mount any sort of comeback during the second half.

Riverbank failed to post double digit scoring in each of the four quarters, leaving the Lady Bruins still in search of its first TVL victory.

Irene Castillo paced the Riverbank offensive output with a team-high eight points, while teammate Jaylene Thomas chipped in seven. Vanessa Rodriguez scored five points in the loss, while Janette Ruiz nailed a 3-pointer to round out the scoring leaders.

The Lady Bruins will have to close out the season with constant improvements if they plan on recording their first TVL win of the season. Scheduling is not doing Riverbank any favors, linking them up for back-to-back contests against the TVL's top two squads. Riverbank will take a trip to take on the first-place Modesto Christian Crusaders on Thursday, Jan. 31, followed by a visit from the TVL's second place Hughson Huskies at Riverbank High on Monday, Feb. 4. Both contests will tip off at 7:30 p.m.