The Oakdale High varsity softball team knew how important their contest with the Ceres Bulldogs would be, but the constant downpour on May 1 left the Lady Mustangs rained out and waiting for their final meeting with the Bulldogs.
Oakdale took care of its business on April 29 in a 2-0 victory over the Central Valley Hawks. The Lady Mustangs scored twice in the first inning to get themselves back to their winning ways.
After dropping a pair of Valley Oak League contests that held a substantial amount of postseason implications, the Lady Mustangs were able to roll to victory over Central Valley behind a valiant effort from senior Andrea Lutz.
Lutz handled the pitching duties for Oakdale, going the distance for the varsity squad and striking out 11 in the process.
Lutz was masterful for Oakdale in a crucial game for the squad, keeping Central Valley off balance the entire contest, while pulling Oakdale back into playoff contention.
The senior only handed out two bases on balls, bringing her season-long total of walks versus strikeouts to an amazing 11 walks to 77 strikeouts for the year. Lutz grabbed her fourth win of the VOL season.
Middle infielders Marrissa Toy and Katy Rissetto both plated runs for the Lady Mustangs, while Toy also made good on a stolen base.
The results from Oakdale’s make-up contest with Ceres (May 4) were not available at time of press, but a victory over the Bulldogs would definitely keep the Lady Mustangs in a position to pull down a postseason berth.
“With everything that we have put ourselves through,” Oakdale head coach Larry Loger said, “we still have a game with Ceres that means everything.”