The Turlock Christian varsity volleyball team advanced to the Division VI Sac-Joaquin Section playoff quarterfinals on Thursday, winning in a dominant fashion with a straight sets sweep over Tioga High.
“We weren’t sure what we were in for because Tioga was undefeated in their season, so we tried to learn as much as we could before we headed up there,” TC head coach Heather Schaber said. “But the girls just really came through. They came out swinging tough and didn't let up all night.”
TC commanded the match, winning all three sets 13-25, 18-25 and 11-25. The Eagles came into the opening round of playoffs ranked No. 5 in the D-VI bracket, while Tioga was ranked No. 4. TC finished their season with a 10-11 overall record and went 4-6 in Central California Athletic Alliance play.
After a season without playoffs last year, Schaber said her squad was ecstatic to make the playoff tournament.
“I have a team with six seniors this year, so they were number one just excited to be back on the court and have a normal season,” she said. “And then to make it to playoffs? They were very excited; this group of girls has been playing together since most of them were in eighth grade.”
The Eagles attacked the Timberwolves offensively during the match, taking advantage of Tioga’s inability to defend the serve. Emma Blake led the way for TC, serving 11 service points in a row and collecting seven kills on the night. Bella Spycher had six kills and three blocks during the match, while Faith Poirier had six kills of her own. Shianne Sai also gathered 17 assists and four kills in the win.
On Tuesday, TC will travel to Modesto to take on Big Valley Christian, the No. 1 seed, in the quarterfinals at 7 p.m. TC played BVC twice in league and dropped both matches in straight sets sweeps.
“We have a realistic view of what we're in for. But yes, the win definitely helps the girls with their confidence and just playing together as a team,” Schaber said. “When all of that starts coming together, the more confident they are individually.”
