For the first time this season, Turlock varsity softball was held scoreless.

Buhach Colony came into town to open up Central California Conference play on Wednesday, and backed by Selena Sandoval's complete game shutout, the Thunder were able to fend off the Bulldogs in a 1-0 result.

“I think we came out flat, again, like we did against Pacheco,” said Turlock head coach Jill Ogden. “I think we just believe, for some reason, that we will score a run later on in the game and in the seventh we were up and had more energy but it was already too late.”

Turlock, who is now 4-1-1 overall and 0-1 in the CCC, combined for only three hits for the game, but they also allowed the same amount (3) after Mariah Gonzalez also tossed a complete game.

The Bulldogs have allowed five runs total in their last five games.

“We need to understand that we need to attack when were on offense and not wait for something to happen but go after it and make something happen,” said Ogden.

Turlock took 14 first-pitch strikes that were delivered from Sandoval.

Sandoval was also effective from the plate, but only in the opening inning when Julia Pinasco drove in the only run of the game in the first after striking an RBI double to bring in Sandoval, and go up 1-0.

The score wouldn't change for the remainder of the game.

Gonzalez followed Sandoval on the pitching end, tossing six shutout innings. She also retired 12 of the final 13 batters faced and tallied 10 strikeouts for the game, but unfortunately still picked up the loss for the game.

“Mariah pitched a great game and allowing just one run in the first, we should be able to fight back and take care of it, but we just failed to back her up today,” said Ogden.

Turlock only had four base runners for the game.

The lady Bulldogs nearly scored a run in the fifth inning after Faith Pattee walked on a seven pitch at-bat and freshman Shelby Frutoz was set for an opportunity to perhaps tie the game with two outs.

Instead, Frutoz got behind on the at-bat, and with a 1-2 count, Frutoz drilled a hard shot to deep right center, but the right fielder for BC made a tremendous effort to come away with the grab.

“We are a good team with good hitters but we are going to take what we do at practice and translate it on to the game and there is a bit of a disconnect right now,” said Ogden. “But once we get more aggressive at the plate and force the other team to play the ball we should be okay.”

Jessie Miranda followed up with a possible rally in the bottom of the sixth after getting one of the team’s hits, but then was called out after attempting to take second base.

Madi Mayol popped out to deep center to end the threat.

The top and bottom of the seventh was three-up and three-down as the game ended with a one-run contest.

“It started on the plate, not so much the base running. We want them to be aggressive on the bases but it’s just we’re taking way too many good pitches and swinging at bad balls again,” Ogden added. “We are not executing in the batter’s box but I do like the aggressive running.”

Turlock's next game will be on the road at Atwater High at 4 p.m. Friday.