While it may be over, the spirit of the 2017 Turlock High volleyball season will always live on, as the team captured the most successful season to-date in program history after winning their first Section title and finishing league play as undefeated champions.

The Bulldogs’ unforgettable and historical year came to a close on Tuesday night from Marin Catholic as Turlock fell, 3-1, in the Open Division regional semifinal of the CIF State Tournament.

“This group of athletes have accomplished more than any before them,” said Turlock head coach Amber Lugo. “I know I speak for everyone when I say how very proud I am of their wins, their titles and mostly their desire to always do better.”

The first and second set Turlock found themselves ahead before the lead slipped away.

In the opening set, Turlock went up 7-4 then once again at 11-6 before MC tied it at 12-12.

MC pulled away with a 13-9 run to win it 25-21. The second game saw similarities.

Turlock went up 5-1 then led 11-6 before they let the game slip away to a 25-22, going down 2-0.

The Bulldogs followed their deficit of two games with a 25-23 win in the third to force the fourth set, which ended in a lopsided 25-10 final.

“We had a good lead in set one and two. Unfortunately, we let them get a run of points on us that was difficult to bounce back from. They are a formidable opponent,” said Lugo. “They have made school history again, because they are a team, they play like a team, and they have an incredible will to win.”

Turlock ends the year with an overall record of 34-9. They also snap an eight-match win streak, losing for the first time since Oct. 21.