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JV Volleyball Closes Tournament In Third Place
Oak-JVVolley
The Oakdale JV Lady Mustangs put up a solid performance during their host tournament at Oakdale High. Lady Mustang Isabel Hoy gets some action during Oakdale’s win over Pitman. - photo by JAGADA CHAMBERS/THE LEADER

Though the Oakdale High JV volleyball team could not quite repeat its feat from a season ago when they strolled off with their host tournament championship, the squad was able to play to a third place finish over the course of the Sept. 12 tournament.

The Lady Mustangs put themselves in prime position to attempt to capture the tournament title, but a semi-final let down against the Buhach Colony Thunder cost the team in the tournament title game.

“We had beaten Buhach in the first week of preseason,” Oakdale head coach Dana Hernandez said. “It was a very close game, but this time Buhach had the better hand.”

The Lady Mustangs dropped a tough match 21-25, 25-13 and 10-15, landing Buhach a spot in the championship and Oakdale third place honors. Buhach would outlast a talented Escalon team 25-18 and 25-20 to take home the championship.

Oakdale opened tournament action with strong play, beating Beyer and Pitman to get on a roll early. Oakdale took care of Beyer 25-21 and 25-19 before banging Pitman 25-13 and 25-14.

The JV Lady Mustangs were the only squad not to receive a loss in pool play, pulling down first place honors in their particular bracket after beating Modesto Christian 25-8 and 25-11.

Oakdale had nothing to hang their heads about, putting together an impressive tournament run that will clearly fuel the opening stages of an always-challenging VOL schedule.

“I really want to say how well my girls played together,” Hernandez said. “I feel they are ready for league and I want to give big credit to Micaela Williamson for great passing during the entire tournament.

“The libero doesn’t always get the glory, but she deserved it.”

Oakdale will look to remain sharp as they open VOL action with their league home opener on Sept. 16 against Lathrop High.

 

FRESHMEN

The Lady Mustangs made their way to Sacramento for the Carmichael Tournament and nearly brought home the tournament championship, settling for runner-up honors in the tourney.

Oakdale was able to beat Sonora on their way to the title game in which they were edged out by Christian Brothers. The performance was one of Oakdale’s strongest in school history, revealing the foundation the Lady Mustang program is firmly resting on for the future.