Winning a Section title isn't easy, but the Turlock Christian High volleyball team makes it seem so, especially after taking home three consecutive banners.
The Eagles, who started the season with a new head coach and the graduation of five starting seniors, battled through it all and made history after winning their third straight Division-VI CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Tournament on Friday.
TC began the rematch of last year's Section finale on fire after winning the first two sets. The Eagles then dropped their third set, only to win the final by two points at UC Davis against Stone Ridge Christian, 3-1 (25-21, 25-17, 19-25 and 26-24).
“It's crazy. All I wanted this year was to win and get a third Section title. I am so happy,” said senior Madison Yagi.
“I had faith in the girls, the coaching staff and the school to believe in me and they had my back all the way and the seniors on this team did a heckuva job to lead us back here,” TC head coach Ashlee Towns said. “I couldn't be more proud of our girls. It's been a great year, but we are not done yet.”
The Eagles' season is not done yet, as they will be moving on to the Northern California tournament next week.
This not only marks the third consecutive Section title for the Eagles but adds on to a nine-game playoff winning streak.
Yagi and Tori Vierra, who both have been a part of all three championship teams were consistent once again in their final Section title game.
Yagi was on with her digs and made it tough for Stone Ridge to capture any kills while Vierra's power became the kryptonite for the opposition.
Vierra finished with six kills while Yagi added on 15 assists.
“It is kind of crazy. When I got moved up as a sophomore I did not think that I would help much, but we won then and won last year and won this year; it's almost like it didn't happen,” Vierra said. “I love my team. I love them like family and I am glad we could do it together and win a third one for the school.”
Coach Towns was so confident in her team's ability this season, she scheduled one of the most challenging preseason schedules and it seemed to pay off in the end.
After finishing the regular season with an even .500 record at 17-17, they snuck their way into the Section tournament as the fifth seeded team, only to upset the number one seeded team in the semifinal, followed by the win over Stone Ridge, which was seeded number two.
The Eagles will find out who they will face in NorCals on Sunday when the bracket will be released. The first game is scheduled for Tuesday in a time and place yet to be determined.
“I am excited. I love this sport and usually this would be the end but I am glad we get to play more and as a team and hopefully continue and win more games,” Vierra added.
