It came down to the wire in what ended in one of the most exciting Central California Conference boys water polo matches to date on Monday night when Turlock hosted Merced High in what resulted in a 14-13 sudden death overtime victory for the Bulldogs.

“This was one of the most exciting high school games I have ever seen,” said Turlock head coach Manny Bettencourt.

Merced came in undefeated with three straight league wins, but the Bulldogs didn't look fazed and jumped in the pool determined to prove to the Bears that it wasn't going to be easy for last year's CCC champs to repeat.

Each side matched one another very well, battling in a very close game.

Turlock never led by more than two goals in the first half and for the remainder of the second half, the difference was only one goal as both sides headed into overtime.

“Most of the game one team or the other just led by one, it was tight,” said Bettencourt of the game.

Turlock was led by Dylan Bernardi's team-high six goals for the match while Mykel Garton followed with a pair of scores. Trent Coffey, Bobby Marchy, Martin Puentes, Luke Reis, Gabe Sleeper and Christian Weaver each scored one goal apiece.

Bernardi also scored the game-winning five meter penalty shot. Turlock goalkeeper Kyle White tallied a staggering 17 saves and Garton came away with six steals while Bernardi added three.

“Great game defensively from Mykel and Kyle [White] was just phenomenal all game,” said Bettencourt.

Turlock girls water polo top Merced 12-8

Monday night was a great night for Turlock High's varsity water polo, both boys and especially girls.

The girls battled hard in their fourth Central California Conference match of the year against an always-tough Bears squad and managed to come out on top in a 12-8 final.

Turlock was led by Nicole Groteguth, who scored a team-high six goals and added four steals while Caitlin Cornell and Karissa Roof each added a pair of goals.

Roof also added a pair of assists and three steals while Groteguth tallied four steals and Cornell finished with three steals and an assist.

Bulldog goalkeeper Samantha Cervenka finished with five saves in two quarters and the other keeper, Olivia Cusenza, added a pair of saves in the other two quarters played.

Lily Odey added one goal, two assists and a steal and Allison Serratos finished with a team-high 10 steals and added four assists and a goal.

Turlock is now 2-2 in the CCC heading into their road contest against Buhach Colony at 5 p.m. today.

Pride girls tennis top Atwater in a tight 5-4 decision

Pitman's varsity girls tennis team toppled Atwater on Tuesday in a 5-4 final from home.

Although the Atwater Falcons managed to capture two victories in the No. 1 and No. 2 singles matches, Pitman went on to win the No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 singles matches, setting up the Pride nicely heading into the doubles.

Only Gabby Soria and Leslie Vargas of Pitman managed to capture wins in the doubles, while the No. 2 and 3 teams fell.

Turlock girls golf tops El Capitan to improve to 7-0

Tuesday went well for the Turlock girls golf team who came out as winners over El Capitan in what resulted in a 252-273 win.

Turlock improved to 7-0 in the Central California Conference thus far and were led by Allie Malmberg and her lowest score of the day at 44.

Courtney Malmberg followed with the second lowest score on the team with a 49. Anoop Bains shot a 51 while Sarah Musselman shot a 52.