As the calendar turned to September, Oakdale fall athletics turned their attention to Valley Oak League action as well as playing against non-league foes. Many teams were in action this past week; a recap of the contests follows.
GIRLS TENNIS
In their Valley Oak League opener, the Lady Mustangs team made an early season statement to the rest of the league: “Look out.” The girls went to Lathrop to face the Lady Spartans on Sept. 1 and made short work of the hosts. Oakdale won 9-0 as the Lady Mustangs started the season off 1-0. In singles, Tay Talamentes defeated Kim Victoria in straight sets 6-0, 6-0. Kendall Kiely also won in straight sets without giving up a point. Danika Brown won 6-1, 6-1 and Haley Takaki finished off Eden Baca 6-4, 6-4. Carley Newbill came from behind to win in three sets 4-6, 6-0, 10-7. In doubles Shannen Yang and Taryn Lane; McKenzie Brown and Lijian Bacud and the team of Breanna Morgan and Tayla Barry all were victorious for the Lady Mustangs. Oakdale hosted Weston Ranch on Tuesday, Sept. 6 following The Leader’s press time. Oakdale returns to the court on Thursday on the road against East Union.
GIRLS GOLF
Oakdale traveled to Van Buskirk Golf Course on Tuesday, Aug. 30 for their first contest against Weston Ranch. Oakdale scored a total of 230 for the win against the Cougars, who put up a team round of 362. Oakdale was led by Taylor Stewart (43); Andrea York and Madison Blanc (45 each); Allie Denning (47); Makayla Christiansen (50) and Chloe Liekhus. The girls hosted Lathrop on Tuesday, Sept. 6 following press time. Oakdale takes on East Union on Thursday at Manteca Park.
BOYS WATER POLO
The boys traveled to Lincoln High School on Tuesday, Sept. 6 after The Leader’s press time. Oakdale next heads to Loomis to take part in the two day tournament known as the Sierra Shootout. The tournament begins at 10 a.m. on Friday. Girls water polo was off and returns to action on Friday, Sept. 9 for the Central Valley Showdown in Clovis.
CROSS COUNTRY
Twenty teams took part in the Jaguar Invitational on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Eagle Lakes in Tracy. The varsity boys team placed fifth overall and the girls placed seventh. A trio of Mustang boys finished in under 19 minutes in the grueling 5K course. Senior Justin Crescenti (18:36); and juniors James Forkner (18:41) and Cesar Garcia (18:42) were Oakdale’s top three finishers. Freshman boys Joseph Aguilar (13:56) was the top finisher for their team in the 2.1 mile course. Arturo Verduzco, a junior, finished 16th in the race in 14:55 for the Junior Varsity boys team. Andrew Cazares finished the 2.1 mile run in 15:42 for the sophomore boys. In girls action, it was the freshman girls who anchored the varsity team. Three freshmen – Karina Prado (21:16); Kendra Branch and Kayden Legan (23:40 each) – finished in the top three. Kaitlyn Dickson represented the junior varsity girls team as the junior finished the 2.1 mile run in 18:23. Taylor Aloisio, a sophomore, finished the 2.1 course in 16:52. Oakdale travels to Legion Park to take part in the Sierra Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 10. Cross Country action begins at 9 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL
The girls get ready to host two games this week. On Tuesday, Sept. 6 the two time defending VOL champs were scheduled to host Escalon in a non-league contest. Today, Wednesday, Sept. 7 the girls host Enochs. The frosh team kicks off the evening beginning at 4 p.m. The junior varsity girls play at 5 p.m. and the varsity girls are scheduled for 6 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 10 the junior varsity girls host the multi-team Junior Varsity Invitational beginning at 8:30 a.m.
