By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Hard Fought Week For Volleyball Results In Varsity Split
Volleyball 1.JPG
Junior Jensen Perry, 11, leaps high above the net and sends it over against Sierra. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER
Volleyball 2.JPG
Freshman Abby Cogburn delivers a serve against Sierra in varsity volleyball action. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

Two matches, one win this week for the Oakdale High School varsity volleyball team. On Tuesday, Sept. 25 Oakdale hosted Sierra and won 3-0. However, two days later the Lady Mustangs fell to visiting Manteca 3-2.

The Lady Mustangs (5-6, 4-3) made short work of the visiting Timberwolves (2-8, 0-5) in front of the large crowd on hand. In the first set, Oakdale opened up with a commanding 14-2 lead and led 20-7 before the Timberwolves went on a 5-0 run to make it 20-12 forcing a timeout from Oakdale. Following the timeout Oakdale settled in and closed out the set on a 5-2 run to win 25-14. Momentum carried over in set two and a focused Oakdale team won 25-9. The Lady Mustangs opened the second set on a 15-5 run and Sierra could not regroup.

In the third and final set of the evening, Oakdale struggled in the early portion of the set. Sierra came out aggressive and led 5-0 to start the set. Little by little Oakdale chipped away and eventually tied the set at eight each. Oakdale took a 12-10 lead then led 14-13 before a timeout. The Lady Mustangs wrapped up the series on an 11-2 run to win 25-15.

“It was extremely important for us to come out here and play well,” said senior Brittany Gibson following the win.

Gibson had seven kills and two blocks in the game. Leading the team in kills was Emma Harper with 10. Alyssa Cogburn had a game high 14 assists. Her younger sister and freshman Abby Cogburn paced the team with five aces. Kailee Whorton finished the night with nine digs.

Thursday night the Lady Mustangs welcomed Manteca (14-3, 6-1) and the two teams battled in a thrilling five-game set. Oakdale took the first set 25-20 but fizzled in the second set to lose 13-25. A competitive third set by the Lady Mustangs fell short 20-25. Facing elimination, Oakdale bounced back in the fourth set with a big 25-15 win to even the series. In the fifth and final set, Manteca closed it out 15-3.

Currently, Oakdale finds themselves in third place in the Valley Oak League standings, behind first place Central Catholic and Manteca. On Tuesday, Oct. 2 Oakdale traveled to Tracy to take on Kimball (9-9, 3-4). This VOL matchup took place following The Leader’s press time.

Oakdale returns home to take on East Union this Thursday night, Oct. 4, which will be the annual Pink Out game in efforts to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer. This game is scheduled for 6 p.m. following the freshman and junior varsity matchups.

On Tuesday, Oct. 9 the team welcomes Weston Ranch for Senior Night 2018.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Oakdale closed out both Sierra and Manteca this past week to remain unbeaten in VOL action. Oakdale defeated Sierra 25-12, 25-15 on Tuesday, Sept. 25. On Thursday night Oakdale defeated Manteca in straight sets 26-24, 25-23. Taylor Lamb led the team in kills with nine. Giselle Juarez had a team high three aces, while Kenadie Patterson, a six foot-four inch freshman, had three blocks and four kills.

Oakdale looked to remain unbeaten on Tuesday, Oct. 2 against Kimball, but the match took place following The Leaders press time. Oakdale hosts East Union on Thursday night at 5 p.m.

 

FRESHMEN

Oakdale’s youngest of the three teams fell in straight sets to visiting Manteca. Oakdale dropped the first set 19-25 and the second set 13-25.