Between a big upcoming volleyball match and the scattering wins and losses of Oakdale High soccer and tennis players, it has been an up-and-down season for OHS athletes this fall. Following is a summary of recent action.
Volleyball
Big losses to graduation have done little to change the proud tradition of success for Mustang volleyballers. Oakdale was a perfect 5-0 in Valley Oak League play before Monday’s match at Weston Ranch, though results of that meeting were not available at press time.
The success in VOL play has drawn a big circle on the calendar for today’s Oct. 3 meeting with visiting Sonora. Both Oakdale and Sonora have defeated all their conference foes with perfect 3-0 decisions.
Today’s match sets the table for the final conference showdown of the year, when Oakdale and Sonora face on Oct. 29.
The Lady Mustangs stayed perfect by topping East Union in 25-17, 25-11, 25-12 scores on Sept. 26. Brittany Carpenter shined with 11 kills and 11 points while Kellie Gratigny added nine points and 15 assists. Hayley McIntyre (seven kills, six points) and Kaitlin Van Ryn (four kills, 10 points) also had big games.
The Mustangs showed some VOL separation with 25-10, 25-22 and 25-15 wins over Kimball two days prior. Van Ryn had 15 points and nine kills while Gratigny managed 12 points and 22 assists. Madison Ault (13 digs), Carpenter (11 kills, six points), McIntyre (six kills, five points) and Marissa MacDonald (four kills, 10 points) also played well.
Boys Soccer
The Manteca Buffaloes continued a trend that could get convenient, pulling out another one-goal victory Thursday in a 2-1 win over Oakdale High on Sept. 27.
Manteca (5-0-1 VOL) pulled out its fourth one-goal win in the past five contests. Marcus Montano notched Manteca’s first goal on an unassisted shot in the 14th minute. The Mustangs (3-3) tied it up in the 41st minute, but could not stay tied as Manteca got its final goal from Cesar Reyes in the 73rd minute.
Oakdale was soaring on the momentum of a three-score first half and 3-2 win over Weston Ranch two days prior. Davis Harper led the way with two scores while Daniel Martinez also found the net. Sergio Gutierrez, Gabriel Ramirez and Sean Harrity landed assists in the win while Jake Hicks and Zeke Spani allowed one goal apiece and delivered seven total saves at the net.
Oakdale hosted Sonora on Tuesday, though results were not available at press time. The team hosts Sierra on Thursday to continue VOL play.
Tennis
The unbeaten Manteca High tennis team flexed its muscles during an 8-1 victory over Oakdale on Sept. 25. Oakdale’s only win came from 6-0 6-3 wins from Francesca Orvis over Adaeze Nkwocha.
Two days later, Oakdale beat Weston Ranch in a 6-3 decision.
Orvis won in 6-2, 6-0 scores while Christine Winders (6-1, 6-4) and Taylor Davis (6-0, 6-3) nabbed singles wins. Oakdale’s doubles court was led by wins from Taylor Kelley/Alyssa Perigen (6-0, 6-3), Melissa VanDyke/Rachelle Pabalan (6-4, 6-0) and Madison Lane/Alyssa Flores (6-2, 6-3).
Oakdale is 6-2 on the season. The team returned from a novice tournament on Sept. 29 with medal honors for Amanda Monschein (second) and Jessica Stevenson (fourth).
Oakdale hosts East Union on Thursday.
