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Tennis Boys Clinch Playoff Berth With Three Wins
tennis
C.J. Toledo went 3-0 in singles play this past week. The Mustangs went 3-0 in VOL play during this stretch as well. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

For the first time in five years, Oakdale not only defeated Manteca, they swept Manteca. In a week that saw the Oakdale High School boys tennis team take the court three times, the Mustangs won their final three matches of the regular season. Oakdale finished the season with a 10-4 record in the Valley Oak League, qualifying for the playoffs.

The Mustangs started the week at Manteca and dominated the Buffaloes 7-2 for the first win over the Buffaloes since the 2013 season. In the win Ludvig Westberg, Frankie Dutra, Shivam Mistry and C.J. Toledo were victorious in singles action. Oakdale’s doubles teams swept the Buffaloes to cap off the successful road trip. The teams of Teo Diaz/Aaron Lowe, Matt Kjeldgaard/Chris Frye and Gustavo Gutierrez/Brady Noel all won in straight sets.

“This is the first time in five seasons that we beat them. I was impressed with the way we played,” said Mustangs head coach Grant Miller.

Two days later the Mustangs made short work of visiting Weston Ranch. In the home match, Oakdale won 9-0 to complete the season sweep over the Cougars.

Friday the Mustangs hosted Manteca in the season finale. The scenario was set up for the Mustangs, a win and they would be in the playoffs; and at the same time would eliminate the Buffaloes from playoff contention. In a hard fought battle, Oakdale held on for a 5-4 win. Westberg won in straight sets 6-0, 6-0.

“Although Ludvig is our number three guy, he has been playing like our number one as of late. He has been a great guy for our program,” Miller praised of Westberg.

Dutra completed the week with a 3-0 record after battling his way to a 6-1, 7-6 (9-7) victory. Toledo won in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. In doubles Oakdale took two out of three against Manteca. The team of Mistry/Diaz won in straight sets. Lowe and Noel found a way to win in three sets 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 and helped power the Mustangs to victory.

“What a great week. It was the same as usual for this year’s squad: Strength in numbers. Those young men found a way to get it done. I am truly proud of them,” Miller said.

On Tuesday, April 24 the team’s singles competitors went to Kimball High School in Tracy for the Valley Oak League Singles Tournament. The tournament was held following The Leader’s press time. On Thursday, April 26 Oakdale heads back to Kimball for the Valley Oak League Doubles Tournament; play is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.