By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
CCAL unbeaten streak continues for Turlock girl’s polo
‘Dogs top Eagles for seventh straight
ths water polo girls 10-19
Sadie Bigler of Turlock High attempts a shot against an Enochs High opponent during their 14-1 win in Wednesday’s home contest. - photo by Eddie Ruiz

The Turlock High varsity girls’ water polo team are one victory away from clinching their second straight Central California Athletic League title after handling Enochs High from home on Wednesday in a 14-1 final. 

“We got to try some new things that are different. Work on some new moves as we head into the final stretch of the season because we did struggle a bit on Monday, that was a close game,” said Turlock head coach Anne Cornell. “We had some scoring issues. So, we knew coming in that we had to work and clean our game.” 

They cleaned it up and then some. 

It took 14 minutes, two quarters to be exact, for them to score double digits and put the game out of reach. 

They led 10-1 by halftime after a scoring frenzy in the first and second. In that first half, Madysen Howry finished with six of her seven goals. 

The second half saw fewer goals, but Turlock still outscored Enochs, 4-0 in the final two quarters.  In the fourth quarter, starting goalkeeper Ashlyn Tilby took the field. Immediately she made her presence known and eventually notched the team’s 12th goal with 4:54 left in the game. 

“Ashlyn is a four-year player for us, and we wanted to give her the opportunity to do something new. She has been a three-year starter for me, so it was just something that I have been having her practice out on the field,” said Cornell. “It was just the perfect opportunity for her to do today and with the goal scored and family to watch, very proud.” 

Howry scored the 13th goal just 44 seconds later and Kianna Hesse scored the 14th and final goal with 35 seconds left. 

Following the win, Turlock’s CCAL record remains perfect at 7-0, having won 17 consecutive league contests dating back to last season. 

“The pressure is on, and we know that we have to continue to grow and move forward as the season continues to progress with three league games left, we know what that brings, continue the improvement every game, and again just building,” said Cornell. “Honestly we are going game by game, and we see what works one game and what does or doesn’t for other.”
Tilby finished the game with a goal and seven blocks. Howry ended Wednesday’s game with a game-high seven goals and added two steals. 

The next game for Turlock will be a road contest at Modesto High at 3:30 p.m. Monday.

ths water polo girls 10-19 2
Turlock High’s Ashlyn Tilby gets ready to shoot a shot during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s 14-1 win over Enochs High. - photo by Eddie Ruiz