Turlock High’s volleyball team returns with three experienced starters this season, one for each Central California Conference match the team won last year. Those Bulldogs — Courtney Crivelli, Sarah Day, and Amy Chiesa — are second year head coach Amber Castillon’s foundation for 2012 as Turlock attempts to turn the corner after two less than stellar seasons.

In only their third week and with one tournament scrimmage under their belts, Castillon and her Lady Bulldogs are already making strides towards that goal.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how hard and well they worked together,” Castillon said of her team’s early outing.

Chiesa’s serving strength and Crivelli’s experience as a setter will be complemented by newcomer  sophomore Victoria Larsen’s knowledge of the outside this season. Larsen, a key addition to a team that lacks significant height, is expected to contribute immediately and help a Turlock squad that must be on point defensively.

“She’s a very experienced player to be so young,” Castillon said of Larsen.

A turn around season will be no easy task for Turlock in a conference packed with talent.

“We want to go after Buhach and Merced and at least split something with Atwater,” Castillon said. “And of course the girls’ goal is always to beat Pitman; they’re always a challenge for everyone in the league.”

Turlock’s first pre-CCC matches of the season take place next week against Davis on Sept. 5 and Hilmar at home the following day. Buhach Colony High travels to Turlock on Sept. 11 for the first league match of the year.