After finishing fourth in the Southern Athletic League, Turlock Christian High’s volleyball playoff picture was uncertain. The Eagles were expecting a post-season berth to hinge on an out bracket match, but surprisingly TC was seeded 3rd in the Division VI SJS Playoff bracket and awarded a first round home game.

“I didn’t realize they were only taking nine teams,” TC’s head coach Ken Wynn said. “The girls were very pleased and thankful they didn’t have to play an out bracket match.”

TC will host Lodi Academy High on Thursday, giving the Eagles an extended period of time to prepare for a team they know next to nothing about.

“Without scouting them, our girls will just have to be prepared for everything,” Wynne said. “All year we’ve focused on defense and I think that if you have a good defense you can play against anybody.”

If TC beats the Titans it will be only one game away from the Nov. 15 section finals at UC Davis.

“They’re very excited and their confidence is very high,” Wynne said of his girls. “They’re looking at playing at Davis already. We have to take it a game at a time but the girls have their eye on the big picture.”

Thursday’s match will be played at Calvary Temple at 7p.m.