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New coach for TC volleyball, same goal
TC Volley 2
Turlock Christians Nicky Sanders gets up and ready to slam the ball over the net during a practice drill on Monday afternoon. - photo by EDDIE RUIZ / The Journal

The Turlock Christian High varsity volleyball team has been a dominant force in the playoffs over the last three years.

Last year, the Eagles captured their third straight Division VI CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championship title and the team looks in great shape for incoming head coach Pam Franco, who takes on the role after being part of the program for seven years.

“I am just going with the flow,” said Franco with a big smile on her face.

It’s hard not to smile especially when the team returns eight players from last year's championship squad.

“Seven of the seniors have been together since they were 12, so we are going to be hard to beat this year. This senior class is amazing,” Franco said.

Meghan Mark, Kaylene Baskin, Abbie Morelli, Nicky Sanders, Cassie Balswick and Mikayla Yagi are some of those leading seniors who have won multiple section titles and return to possibly add another banner to the gym.

However, this year, the team moves up to Division V from the D-VI level.

Thing's won't get easier for the team, but coach Franco has all the confidence in her Eagles that the task is not too big for them especially since this might be the heaviest senior team that TC volleyball has ever had.

“I am just so excited for the year, I can't even see straight,” said Franco with a smile from ear to ear. “We have majority of the core back. A lot of these girls have been to Davis before, they know what it takes. The only ones who can stand in their way is themselves.”

It’s tough to single out one player because the entire roster, including the bench is a talented group that looks to be one of the most competitive squads.

There is no question that the Eagles could handle the Central California Athletic Association, which is their primary goal after a shaky first year last season.

“State is a goal but winning league would be very nice, which is our goal,” said Franco. “They are at the top of their game right now. Seriously, they have as much skill as any upper division team; most have played club for years and I am just lucky to have them but it should be a fantastic year.”

The TC Eagles' first regular season game will be at home against Hughson at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 29.