The 2018 Oakdale girls golf team teed off their season with a convincing win over Manteca to start the season off right. This was a preseason, non-league contest. The girls battled Manteca at Oakdale Golf and Country Club Tuesday, Aug. 21 and handled the Buffaloes 215-301 in nine-hole action. Leading the way for Oakdale was Taylor Stewart. She shot a 37 on the day to lead all other golfers. Not too far behind was a trio of Mustangs as Makayla Christiansen (40), Tori Blanc (41) and Lynn Layton (43) all finished in the top four. Rounding out the day for Oakdale were Makena Mendoca (54) and Kailea Fogleman (70).
On Wednesday, Aug. 22 the girls hosted Rocklin in a non-conference showdown. Oakdale defeated Rocklin 218-244 in nine holes. Leading the way for Oakdale was Shealyn Hanrahan at 41. Blanc finished the day just one stroke behind the leader and finished with a score of 42. Christiansen placed third with 44. Lynn Layton was right behind Christiansen with a score of 45. Completing the day for Oakdale were Andrea York (46) and Anna Holmes (63).
Oakdale’s busy week came to a close on Friday afternoon when they defeated Pleasant Grove 211-248. The road match was played at Rancho Murieta Country Club. Madi Blanc led the team with a score of 39. Stewart and Hanrahan came in second shooting a 41 for Oakdale. Tori Blanc and York each shot a 45 and Chloe Liekhus shot 52 on the day.
“This is by far the strongest team on paper in Oakdale girls golf history,” said coach Lee McGhee.
With nine returning players, the team looks to live up to the hype.
“Now we just need to have that translate into low team scores,” McGhee said of the strong paper presence. “See if we can match any of our lowest rounds from last year or surpass them. Supporting each other, working towards our goals as a team and to be the best we can be each and every day.”
Oakdale began league play against Central Catholic on Monday, Aug. 27 following The Leader’s press time. This year, all Valley Oak League matches will play 18 holes.
“We are looking forward to the change in our league matches to emulate how playoffs are run,” McGhee noted. “We will no longer be the only sport that competes differently at the playoff level as our league play. Playing in the 18-hole format will help all players with playing in the playoffs in the same type of competition.”
The Lady Mustangs won’t have another league contest until Sept. 10 when they take on Weston Ranch on the road.
