Turlock High softball started this season's Central California Conference campaign o the right foot, winning three of its first five league games after winning a total of only two league games last season. After back-to-back one-run wins against Merced and Buhach Colony High the Bulldogs hit a snag, however, as they skid into spring break with a pair of losses to Atwater and Golden Valley High.

Turlock's losses continued into spring break at the Napa Tournament with losses to Grenada Hills, Vintage and Peteluma High on Friday, but by Saturday Turlock found itself back in the winner's column with victories over Analy and Bethel High, putting its girls in prime position as they prepare for a rematch with the Bears on Wednesday.

“We went in Friday and our number two pitcher was down. So we were relying on Sophie (Mayol) filling in, and she did a really good job for us, but we knew we were a little bit out of our game,” Turlock head coach Jill Odgen said of her team's start to the tournament. “But they just bounce back, they don't seem to let things let them down.”

Turlock snapped its five-game losing streak with a potent offense on Saturday, beating Analy 8-3 and Bethel 10-3. In the first game against the Tigers, Lindsey Holguin went four for four from the plate with four RBIs to lead the charge for her team. Madison Mayol chipped in with a RBI and two runs while Haylee Morris added two runs of her own.

Mayol continued to produce in the second game against Bethel with a pair of RBIs and was aided by freshman Kelly Weber who hit three RBIs and scores two runs.

“We tried a few kids from different positions. It's a good time to relax and get away from the stress of league,” Odgen said.

Now, sitting one-game out of third place in the CCC behind the Falcons, Turlock is looking to begin the last leg of the season a rematch victory against Merced. After their last game with the Bears, an eight-inning battle that ended 4-3, the Bulldogs fully expect their opponents to be looking for payback when they drive into Turlock on Wednesday.

“We're excited. We know they're going to be hungry,” Odgen said. “That was a great win for our program and we really know that if we play well, especially defensively, we can compete with anyone in our league. We feel good going into our last seven games.”