Turlock High’s volleyball team defeated Hilmar 25-14, 25-21, 25-15 in a non-conference matchup that felt more like a postseason affair.
“It’s always fun to play Hilmar,” said Bulldogs coach Amber Lugo, whose team improves to 8-4 for the season. “The crowd always has a good time and the Dog Pound was awesome. They always come up with little themes.”
Turlock’s student came to the game dressed in fluorescent construction vests and hardhats to signify that this year’s THS team, which features mostly underclassmen, is under construction.
“We’re getting there,” said Lugo. “We’re very young, so it’s good to play teams like Hilmar. You can see your weaknesses and know what you have to work on.”
For Turlock, junior Lauren Parker led the way with 11 kills. Senior setter Nikkie Miranda had 29 assists, while twin sister Lillie Miranda, the team’s libero, had 19 digs.
For the Yellowjackets (6-2), junior libber Sophie Stivers had16 digs, junior setter Teygan Horstmeier had 12 assists, and 6-0 senior outside hitter Alicia Souza tallied nine kills.
Turlock will see action again on Thursday when it hosts Tracy, while Hilmar will travel to Reno on Friday for the High Sierra Tournament.
Pitman 3, El Capitan 0, at Pitman — The Pride cruised to a non-league victory over the Gauchos, 25-11, 25-18, 25-9 as they improved to 11-1 for the season.
Senior right-side Ella Sniezek totaled nine kills for Pitman, while sophomore outside Maryn Hall finished with eight. Senior middle Madison Eissayou and senior outside Avery Ahlem chipped in with six kills apiece. Senior setter Payton Rowell had 37 assists and 15 digs.
The Pride will host Merced on Tuesday then entertain longtime playoff foe Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills).
Football
Hilmar 21, Los Banos 13, at Los Banos — The Hilmar Yellowjackets are officially in the win column in the 2023 season after beating the Los Banos Tigers by a 21-13 score Friday night on the road at Loftin Stadium.
The Yellowjackets’ ran all over the Tigers, racking up 292 ground yards. Leading the way was Hilmar’s dual-threat quarterback, junior Caden Bailey, who rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Senior running back Logan Cardoso added the other 81 yards along with a touchdown of his own.
Through the air, Bailey completed 6 of 11 passes for 91 yards. Senior wideout Jason Moniz had 51 of those yards on two catches.
They will look to keep the momentum going in this week’s home opener against the Sonora Wildcats.
Cosumnes Oaks 49, Pitman 24, at Elk Grove — After scoring 24 points against the Wolfpack, the Pride are averaging just under 27 points per game this season. That’s the good news. The bad news? Pitman suffered its first loss of the season and gave seven touchdowns in the process.
Pitman is ranked 95th in the Sac-Joaquin Section according to MaxPreps.com's strength-of-schedule rankings. Cosumnes Oaks was ranked 48th. This week, No. 25 Hughson comes to Joe Debely for a non-conference matchup.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
- Christopher Correa contributed to this report.
