Even with the poor air quality from the wildfires in the foothills; the Mustangs varsity clubs continue to make strides this fall. This week the Mustangs boys soccer, girls tennis, girls golf, volleyball and water polo all were in action.
BOYS SOCCER
The defending Sac Joaquin Section boys soccer champion Mustangs hosted Central Valley in the team’s final non-league match before they began Valley Oak League (VOL) action. Oakdale grounded the Hawks in a 3-2 victory.
The Mustangs found themselves in an early 1-0 hole until senior midfielder David Serrano found the net to tie things up early in the first half. Moments later, Oakdale’s senior Zidane Saucedo finished off an assist from Bryce Hobbs to give the Mustangs a 2-1 lead. Oakdale’s lead however was short lived after a goal from the Hawks.
Knotted up at 2-2 after the first half; Oakdale’s Wesley Allen broke the tie and scored the game winner in the second half. Allen has been a key figure for the Mustangs’ early season success, as the junior has played in 11 games and accumulated 21 points on nine goals and three assists.
Oakdale (7-2-2) now turns their attention to league play. The Mustangs, who finished third in the league last season behind Manteca and Sierra, began league play on Monday, Sept. 14 at Manteca High School. The much anticipated battle was held after The Leader’s press time. Their next game will be held at home against Lathrop on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Start time for varsity is at 6:30 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
The girls took the court twice this past week. Earning a pair of convincing league matches against Kimball and Lathrop, Oakdale remains undefeated in the Valley Oak League. Oakdale made short work of both teams 8-1; 8-1. Five of the six girls won in singles action against Lathrop and the same result (five of six singles) claiming victories over Kimball. The doubles teams went undefeated this week to help carry the Lady Mustangs.
GIRLS GOLF
Oakdale was dealt a tough loss on Tuesday, Sept. 8 as East Union knocked off the girls 241-256. On top of the leaderboard for the Lady Mustangs was Taylor Stewart (41). Emily Greenwood (49); Bronte Lucero (50); Bailey Zuk (55); Kyla Novotny (61) and Chloe Liekhus (63) rounded out the Lady Mustangs effort on the links.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
A tough week for the varsity Lady Mustangs, with the ball club dropping three non-league contests. Oakdale dropped games to Escalon, Pitman and Tracy during the final stretch of the preseason. Oakdale looks to turn their fortunes around this week when Valley Oak League action begins. The Lady Mustangs open the regular season against Lathrop on Thursday, Sept. 17 at home. Game time is 6 p.m.
GIRLS WATER POLO
In a rematch of the past three section championships, the Lady Mustangs took on rival Rio Americano in Carmichael on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The Lady Mustangs walked out of Carmichael with an 11-7 victory. No official game stats were provided from the contest but the Lady Mustangs were also scheduled to host Lodi on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The game was held after press time.
BOYS WATER POLO
The team headed to Sacramento to play in the Sierra Shootout tournament. The boys finished seventh and traveled to Lodi on Tuesday. That game was held after The Leader press time.