Atwater High was back in Turlock Tuesday night, five days after a failed comeback attempt against Pitman High. This time the Falcons faced off against Turlock High in a game with a much different tone. Atwater hit the Bulldogs early and often with consistent scoring and rebounding en route to a 40-34 victory.

The difference was simple: Atwater was on target—Turlock was not.

“It was all about rebounding,” Turlock’s head coach Michelle Bush said of the loss. "They were getting two and three and four and five chances. Probability is they’re going to get something in with all those chances.”

Atwater utilized its physicality under the boards and the relentless attack of Brianna Hunter to open the night with a 13 point run. Turlock answered back with Cierra Peace and Mikayla Mabie but were unable to cover the gap or regain momentum. By halftime the scoreboard read 27-11.

But Tuesday night nearly ended with a different narrative. Turlock opened the second half with six straight points and held Atwater to only five third quarter points. Turlock’s change of pace continued into the fourth quarter where it allowed the Falcons only 7 points, but a late game injury to Peace and the large first half lead were too much for Turlock to overcome.

“They’re not quitters,” Bush said. “They haven’t been all season. They keep their head up and in the game.”

With no hopes for the post-season, the Bulldogs are looking to make their season finale against rival Pitman High count.

 “We’re going to leave it all out on the floor,” Bush said.