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Bittersweet Season Finale For Varsity Soccer Girls
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Prior to their league season finale against Central Catholic, the senior Lady Mustangs were recognized for their contributions to Oakdale soccer over the years. Shown, from left, Daniela Dela Riva, four year player; Emily Takaki, four-year player; Isabel Charbonier, Alyssa Stott, four-year player; Kendra Branch, Daniela Carranza, Sophie Ortiz, Kassy Rodriguez. Photo Contributed

On Senior Night, battling back from a 2-1 halftime deficit, the Oakdale Lady Mustangs earned a hard fought 3-2 win over visiting Central Catholic on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

But it was a bittersweet victory, as the team fell just short of the playoffs.

One game … that ultimately was the difference in making or missing the postseason for the OHS varsity girls soccer team this year. Although the girls did finish the season on a high note by defeating Central Catholic, they missed the playoffs by one game.

Wednesday night’s game was Senior Night 2020 for the team where they honored senior players Daniela Dela Riva, Emily Takaki, Isabel Charbonier, Alyssa Stott, Kendra Branch, Daniela Carranza, Sophia Ortiz and Kassandra Rodriguez.

“The girls played emotional, but were able to pull off the win,” said Oakdale head coach Grace Fernandes.

The large crowd on hand – with the game played in The Corral as opposed to on the soccer field – helped cheer the team on to the victory.

“Fans for both teams did make the game feel like it was a playoff atmosphere, and the girls really enjoyed playing in front of their home crowd. Pete Simoncini announced the seniors and the game and it made the event entertaining,” Fernandes said. “It is tough to say good bye to the girls graduating, and we wish them all good luck in their future.”

In the contest Ruby Fink had two goals and Kassandra Rodriguez scored a goal. Maquel Besson had two assists and Daniela Dela Riva had an assist. Victoria Rojas was the team’s goalkeeper. With the win Oakdale swept Central Catholic on the season. Oakdale finished with an 8-8-2 overall record and went 5-7 in Valley Oak League play to finish fifth.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

The junior varsity team capped off their season with a 5-0 win over Central Catholic. Mikayla Notaro had two goals and Nina Linder, Kassandra Carlos and Alexia Verduzco each had a goal. Overall the team finished with a 12-6-2 record. In league play the team went 7-4-1 and took third place in VOL.

“This was a large change in progress from last year to this year;” said head coach Joey Micheletti. “We scored 50 more goals this season and won nine more games.”

Kassandra Carlos led the team with nine goals and Mikayla Notaro led the team with four assists.