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Record Winning Streak Ends For Mustang Varsity Girls
On The Track
track
Senior Justin Crescenti had a busy and successful week for Oakdale. He took first place in the high jump against Kimball in the VOL showdown, and also tied for first in the County Clash the following day. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

It was the end of an era on Thursday, March 23 inside The Corral at Oakdale High School. The varsity girls – who had won 88 straight Valley Oak League track and field meets – lost to visiting Kimball, falling by a 69-67 final.

Oakdale’s dominant run came to a close when the girls lost the final event of the evening, the 4x400 race. Ironically, it was former Oakdale High School athlete Scarlett Green who anchored the Kimball girls and crossed the finish line first, giving Kimball the 69-67 overall victory. Oakdale’s day was a rough one as several mishaps occurred including injuries, illnesses and even a trip in the 3200 meter race.

“We had one of our athletes not make the meet due to illness, our 3200 girl got tripped on lap six of the race from behind by the eventual winner, going down to the ground, but still getting up and finishing second,” said Coach Dave Bacigalupi. “And the Kimball girls did a great job. No excuses.”

Oakdale is still tied for first place in the Valley Oak League standings.

Battling for Oakdale in the field events were freshman Angelica Lowry, who took first place in the shot put, Kendal Vargas in the discus, Hannah Wesling in the high jump, and Cassie England in the triple jump. Making an impact on the track were England in the 100 meter hurdles, Marnelle Salie in the 400 meter race, Courtney Dickens in the 100 meter race and Kayden Leagan in the 3200 meters.

Oakdale looks to start a new winning streak on Thursday, March 30 when the girls host Manteca at 3:30 p.m.

The varsity boys also took on the Jaguars of Kimball on Thursday, March 30 coming up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Standouts for the Mustangs were Justin Crescenti, first place in the high jump, Jorge Barajas placed second in the shot put, Michael Everett placed second in the discus, and Francisco Vargas placed second in the 110 meter hurdles.

Oakdale also hosted the County Clash on Friday, March 24. The girls placed second overall with 78 team points and the boys tied for fifth scoring 51. Notable girl performances included Sara Stevens, fourth in the 800 meter race; Kayden Leagan fourth in the 3200; Kayla Budine, Marnelle Salie, Kayla Novotny and Courtney Dickens with a fifth place finish in the 4x100 relay; Dickens, Salie, Novotny and Sara Stevens, third place in the 4x400 relay. Also, Angelica Lowry fourth in shot put; Kendal Vargas fourth in discus; Hannah Wesling tied for second in the high jump; Mikayla Wong second in pole vault; Cassie England first in long jump and third in triple jump.

For the boys, Francisco Vargas took second in the 110 meter hurdles; Michael Everett second in shot put and third in discus; Justin Crescenti tied for first in the high jump; Jacob Peterson third in triple jump and Peterson, Cameron Burke, Justin Crescenti and Francisco Vargas claimed fourth in the 4x400 relay.