A roller coaster of emotions this past week for the Oakdale High School varsity girls softball team. On Wednesday, May 3 the girls (18-8, 9-4) went to Sierra High School in Manteca where they were shut out 2-0 by the Timberwolves (11-9, 10-4). Sierra’s Lindsey Walljasper pitched a gem against Oakdale as the junior gave up one hit to Maddy Brewer, which was a triple. The Lady Mustangs struggled not just at the plate but on the defensive side as well.
“Lindsey Walljasper pitched a solid game against us. We didn’t help ourselves, committing four errors,” Oakdale coach Larry Loger said of the road loss.
The loss dropped Oakdale to fourth place but they did not hang their visors low for very long. On Friday, May 5 the girls returned home where they defeated Central Catholic (13-9, 5-8) by a score of 3-1. Before game time family members, fans and Oakdale Baseball Softball Association players gathered to honor the three Oakdale senior players for Senior Day 2017. Shay Trent, Farrah Gomes and Maddy Brewer were all honored for their contributions to the program. The “Voice of the Mustangs” Pete Simoncini introduced the trio of girls and teammates read touching and humorous memories of the three players.
“I was nervous and it is crazy to think that today was one of my final home games as a player. It is emotional really,” said third baseman Gomes.
It was senior Maddy Brewer who got the crowd roaring once the game started as the catcher hit a one out three run home run off the pole in the bottom of the first inning.
“Coach Mike Bye always preaches at us to play with heart and hit the ball as hard as we can, and that’s what I did,” Brewer said of her crowd pleasing three run bomb.
Brewer went 3-for-3 on the day with three RBI. She was a triple shy of the cycle. Oakdale’s defense had a large role in the win as right fielder Rilyn Cassaretto dove to rob Central Catholic of two runs as she came up with a diving catch.
Grace Green pitched for Oakdale in the win where she struck out eight batters and gave up only five hits in seven innings of work.
“I think the big Senior Day crowd got the girls fired up. Grace pitched a very good game, could have easily been a shutout,” Loger said. “Maddy’s three-run home run in the first made the difference.”
Loger went on to add, “I also want to take this time to thank Pete Simoncini for coming out and announcing our game.”
Oakdale closed out the season at home on Tuesday, May 9 against first place East Union (23-3, 13-0) following The Leader’s press time.
“We have struggled this season. We came together as a complete team today, and we are going to have to play just as well on Tuesday to beat East Union,” Shay Trent said.
JUNIOR VARSITY
The junior varsity squad was scheduled for a pair of games this past week, but neither game took place. On Wednesday, May 3 the girls made the trip to Sierra but a water sprinkler broke off on the field, causing the game to be cancelled. Friday’s game against Central Catholic was awarded to Oakdale due to forfeit. The Lady Mustangs and East Union are currently tied for first place and the two teams battled on Tuesday afternoon at Oakdale to decide the title. The game was held following The Leader’s press time.
