The Turlock Christian Eagles softball team already surpassed last year’s total win number of zero to a turnaround record of 8-8 thus far after defeating Big Valley Christian 15-4 on Tuesday.

 “I am very happy with the team,” head coach Bret Balswick said. “Last year we had no wins, this year we already have eight. I told the team that one victory was our goal, but now we are playing like we could end the season with 11 or 12 wins.”

The turnaround happened after just one season and with no seniors on the current roster.

For the Eagles, starting pitcher Cassie Balswick lead the way pitching a two-hit ball game, while walking three and striking out one. Also contributing with the bat, Balswick went 3-for-4 with a home-run and a pair of RBIs.

The Eagles finished with 10 hits total alongside a team that was on fire and clicking from all cylinders.

“I am very happy with the team,” coach Balswick said. “They are a very coachable group, which is very important. Not to mention that we played outstanding defense today.”

Also contributing for the team was Mikayla Yagi who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Megan Mark who went 2-for-3 for the game. All three of Tuesday's standouts are freshmen.

Hilmar softball struggles against Hughson

Despite playing solid defense, the Yellowjackets from Hilmar were unable to come away with a win as they lost at Hughson, 12-2, on Tuesday.

The 'Jackets tallied only three hits all game. Hilmar is now (3-14, 1-6) sitting second to last in league standings.

Hilmar’s starting pitcher, Marta Mitchell, picked up the loss for the Yellowjackets while Jessica Cardoso came in for relief as they allowed nine hits all game behind a good defense.

“Last year we lost a lot of key players; we lost all coaches from last year,” head coach Taylor Himaya said. “It takes time to rebuild since we are rebuilding the entire softball program from down up with all the coaches and everything.”

A tough year for Bulldog softball

The Turlock Bulldogs softball team lost, 3-2, against Buhach Colony on Tuesday despite a tough battle. The Bulldogs are now (5-16, 0-9) and sit at the bottom of league play.

“[Our] goal as a team [is] to be competitive and look at the positives,” head coach Jill Ogden said. “We really battled till the end, but we were unable to come away with the win.”

Maraya Gonzalez started the game for the Bulldogs as she allowed only five hits and walked a few.

“Gonzalez kept us in the game,” Ogden said. “We really battled it out and on a bases loaded jam, she kept us in the game.”

In the second inning with no outs and bases loaded, Gonzalez was able to force three straight groundouts to end the inning and possible blowout.

Turlock finished with only two hits for the game while committing four errors in the process.

“Looking forward, we know what we need to work on,” coach Ogden said. “Regardless of who we play, we need to work on all the mistakes we committed today.”