Boys Water Polo
Rio boys water polo completed their dominant season by crushing Davis 19-11 in the San-Joaquin Section title game on Nov. 16.
The team (5-0 league, 27-5 overall) swept through the region, taking losses only in highly competitive tournaments.
Lucas Ruano (11) led the team in scoring with 149 goals for the season, while goalkeeper Harper Gardner (12) contributed a team-best 48 assists.
Highlights of the season included a 9-6 win over Clovis West to win the Clovis Tournament on Oct. 19 and a 16-6 thumping of Jesuit in the first round of the section tournament.
Bumped up to D1 for the NorCal tournament, the boys lost in the first round to a Bay Area private school, No. 2 seed Sacred Heart Prep.
“The (boys) water polo team is special because it’s like a family,” center defender Jackson Kirkley said. “We all work as hard as we can together to push for the next level. I trust every single guy to step up when it’s needed.”
Girls Water Polo
After blasting their way into the finals with an 11-7 win over Del Oro, the Raiders lost the Nov. 16 section title game against Merced High School 4-5.
In the NorCal tournament, they bested Christian Brothers 9-1 before falling in the semifinal round to Aptos 8-6.
Under the guidance of coach Rachel Ruano, the girls went 7-0 in league and 20-12 overall. Brooklyn Hendricks (12) was named defensive MVP. Although the team will lose talented seniors, coaches expect strong performances next year from offensive MVP Dylan Tiska (10), Natalie Jeske (9). Both girls were first-team all-league.
Football
After beating Christian Brothers, 7-3, in the closing weeks of the season, the Raiders reached the playoffs with a 5-5 record based on strength of schedule. However, they lost to Merced, 41-35, in the first round.
At the team banquet, coach Bob Ghazanfari and his staff gave the Raider Award to Jason Gilbert (12) and Chase Dinaburg (12). Team MVP is Alex Wallace (12). Other team awards were: Outstanding Lineman – Sam Enochian (11); Most Improved – Conner Hergert (12) and Raymar Griffith (11); MVP Offense – Arnez Campbell (11) and Devin Pointes (11); and MVP Defense – Kaleo Chong (12) and Keegan Leary (12).
Girls Tennis
The team placed third in the conference and made it to playoffs, but lost in the first round against the #1 seed, 6-3.
Jenny Yin (11) was a finalist in the CVC conference tournament and she then was one of two players to represent the CVC conference in the CIF tournament at Johnson Ranch Racquet Club.
Among the awards given by coach Gina Costello were: Freshman of the Year – Natalie Tran; Most Improved – Tori White (11); Coaches Award – Maya Ambrose (12); and Raider Award – Kaiya Planting (11).
Flag Football
In October, the two-year-old team recorded its first-ever win in a 20-19 decision against Inderkum, avenging a 7-12 loss to the Tigers in September.
While the team (1-11 league, 1-15 overall) has struggled to win, coach Charles Fry has been working on fundamentals and building toward a competitive program.
Captain Caroline Siler (12) played better than the team’s record shows.
“Caroline definitely made the biggest contribution to the team,” said center and receiver Mikayla Chacon (11). “She always came with energy and spirit to cheer up the team. She was the biggest ‘hype man’ for the team.”
Girls Volleyball
After beating West Park of Roseville in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, the Raiders fell in the second round to their season nemesis, Christian Brothers, on Oct. 31, 0-3.
Coach John Grix and captains Cameryn Barry and Camden Kallhoff were proud of the progress the team made after losing several key seniors from last season. Four seniors moved on after this season.
Barry (12) has been the starting right side for three years with the highest hitting percentage on the team; it will be tough finding someone to fill her shoes. Also, Marina Kidwell (12) was a standout at libero, but the team has two skilled freshmen, Emma Simmons and Kwynn Carillo, training in the same position.
Other returning players are expected to make a big contribution next year.
“Outside hitter Camden Kallhoff will be a powerful force as usual leading the league in kills and also setter Kate Ellis leading the league in assists and aces,” said Barry.
Girls Golf
Entering a more competitive league this year, the golf team had another strong year, with two players (seniors Mia Cho and Taylor Baker) making it to the Masters. Baker went on to win the NorCal championship and competed in the state championship.
Coach Rocco Marrongelli said he was “proud of the whole team.”
Read more about Baker’s accomplishments here.
