Playoff victories don’t come easy for soccer teams in the Sac-Joaquin Section, especially in the ultra competitive Division IV brackets, where top tier Sacramento programs and local powerhouses square off in heated contests each round.

Oakdale High’s varsity girls soccer team battled through two extremely tight first and second round games, May 17 and 19, both decided in extra periods or by penalty kicks on the home field at OHS.

The first win, a 2-1 victory over Galt in the quarterfinals, ensured Oakdale’s advancement to the semifinal round. It came after a 1-1 deadlock in overtime was broken by a brilliant score from Markie Arnold in the first OT period.

Sophomore Arnold has been stellar in appearances for Oakdale’s front line all season, and added some playoff prestige to her repertoire with a clutch overtime goal to advance the Lady Mustangs’ season.

Arnold earns Athlete of the Week recognition from The Leader for her efforts.

Runner-up honors go to Jenna Micheletti, who also turned in a superb game to help get the squad to the title game with a pressure-packed final round PK to secure a 2-1 win over Central Catholic in Thursday’s semifinals.