Turlock Christian High faced off against Stone Ridge Christian High for a game of pre-league basketball for the second time in eight days Tuesday night. While the location of the game was different, the outcome was not.

The Eagles again beat the Knights of Merced — albeit in more dominating fashion — 51-15 in their fifth win of the season and prelude to tonight’s challenging game against the girls of Pitman High.

 “We improved from the last time we played them. We really turned the ball over a lot in the last game,” head coach Edwin Santiago said. “Our offense was more team oriented today than the last time…and definitely our defense picked up this game. We really let #11(Amber Fletcher) score the last time and I think we kept her in check this game.”

Spurred by a persistent defense, forced turnovers, and a couple of treys from Monique McMeechan, TC blasted out to a 20-2 lead by the end of the first period. By halftime the scoreboard read 24-6.

While the Eagles’ defense was effective in blanketing the ball handlers, the Knights still managed to get shots off. They just didn’t drop. Fletcher finished at Stone Ridge’s leading scorer with seven points, most of which came from the free throw line.

While the Knights struggled from the field, TC found the board frequently, and with multiple scorers.

Cassie Balswick lead TC with ten points while Hannah Sawyer notched eight points and the trio of Meghan Mark, Aimee Jones, and McMeechan score six a piece. Balswick was also instrumental on defense as she earned a double-double with a ten steal effort.

Now, with the first of a three games scheduled for this week in the books, TC will travel roughly three miles to face the neighboring Pride in a Division 5 vs. Division 1 matchup.