No Oakdale High athlete had bigger shoes to fill this fall than varsity water polo goalkeeper Hayley Benson. With 2010-11 Oakdale Leader Athlete of the Year Morgan Kinyon departed via graduation, Benson was thrown into the pool and in front of the net this season.
And she has thrived.
Benson’s saves have been a big reason for Lady Mustang success in the water this season. She stopped six shots in a win over Sonora on Sept. 26 and added 15 more during a victory over Ceres on Sept. 28. On Thursday, she landed 12 saves in a loss to a stout Lodi program in non-conference play.
Benson earns Athlete of the Week honors from The Leader for her big performances in front of the prep net.