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Bulldogs handle Panthers in straight sets to notch third straight league win
Turlock volley
Freshman Katie Parker of Turlock High goes up for a block during Wednesday’s 3-0 sweep over Modesto High (EDDIE RUIZ/The Journal).

Turlock High volleyball is off to a 3-0 start in league following Wednesday’s straight sets victory over Modesto High — last year’s runners-up in the Central California Athletic League. 

“We have played a lot of games so far, and it has been very helpful, I think,” said Turlock head coach Amber Lugo. “We are getting them up on a level they weren't before and they are starting to play really well together. They really like each other, so it is a cohesive team. I’m just trying to get them to play out of their comfort zone.” 

The win is the sixth straight for Turlock and their third straight in league. 

“We gave them objectives coming into this game, we had match goals, certain things to run and sets and what to cross off, and tried to really get all aspects of our offense going,” said Lugo. 

In the first set, Turlock managed to come out with a 13-point win, 25-12. 

Turlock went up 8-1 in the second set and never looked back as they controlled the tempo with the assistance of captains Jazmyn Tubbs and Mary Padilla. 

Padilla and Tubbs were consistent throughout the three sets, controlling the pace and leading them into long rallies. 

They led by as many as 10 in the set until the score read 20-10. 

Turlock followed up with a 5-0 run to end the most lopsided set of the night. 

In the third, the score was the closest. 

Modesto took a surprising 5-2 lead to kick things off. 

Turlock fought their way back and essentially took the lead at 9-8. 

From there, Turlock held on as they went on a 16-8 run to secure the 25-16 win and sweep.  

Turlock has now won seven of the last eight games. 

“We still have big tournaments we are competing in, and another in October with multiple top teams in the state and that really helps us moving forward,” said Lugo. 

Following Wednesday’s game, Turlock is 17-10 overall and 3-0 in league play so far. 

Tubbs finished with a game-high 11 kills and added four digs. Padilla finished with six digs, five kills and three aces. 

Turlock’s next league game will be at home against Downey High at 6 p.m. Monday.