The girls basketball team at Turlock High hosted its first home game of the season against a red hot Beyer High team Friday night. The Bulldogs (2-6) and Patriots (9-1) played a close first half but as the game progressed, Beyer gradually pulled away, handing Turlock its sixth loss by a score of 51-35.

“Beyer is on a roll right now. They are a very well coached team,” Turlock head coach Salinda Mabie said. “We’re improving every game, but we’re still rebuilding.”

Turlock’s hesitant offensive play led to a plethora of turnovers. While both teams had a fair share of turnover it was the Patriots who were able to capitalize on their opportunities and score.

“Every time we turned the ball over they were scoring,” Mabie said.

Even with a high number of turnovers the Bulldogs were neck and neck with Beyer, tied at 18 points apiece with four minutes left in the second quarter. Beyer responded with four straight three point shots, with the last one falling in at the buzzer, giving them a 12 point lead at the half.

The Bulldogs never regained the lead and were instead stifled by the Patriots’ zone defense and in synch offense.

“We’re just trying to figure out where we’re going right now,” Mabie said.  “You can tell that they know exactly where they’re going.”

Turlock’s next home game will be against Atwater on Jan. 10.

“We need to work on being flexible and making changes,” Mabie said “It’s about confidence.”

To contact Frankie Tovar, e-mail ftovar@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.