By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Tennis Season Ends
tennis

For the first time in school history, the Oakdale girls tennis team advanced to the semifinals of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championships. Coming off their 7-2 win over Patterson in the first round of the Division III tournament, Oakdale hit a major stumbling block when they took on River City on Monday, Nov. 7. The girls lost 8-1 in the semifinals.

Oakdale’s Tay Talamantes earned Oakdale’s lone win of the match as she won 6-3, 6-4 over Mallory Snarr. The rest of the Lady Mustangs struggled in their playoff quest, having lost in straight sets in the tough matchup. Oakdale’s doubles team of Breanna Morgan and Tayla Barry pushed Chloe Looc and Makayla Firmacion to three sets.

Although it was a tough exit, Oakdale’s tennis team had a memorable season. The team lost just two league games this year, one to eventual Section Champions, Manteca, and to Sierra. Talamantes was crowned the VOL’s Most Valuable Player.

“Our seniors will be missed. Carley (Newbill) and Danika (Brown) have been strong for four years. Tay is league MVP. So proud of Haley (Takaki), Maddy (Brewer) and Kendall (Kiely), who were so mentally tough, had great comebacks to win most all their matches,” noted coach Judy Vejar. “Doubles were great partnerships. Taryn (Lane) and Shannen (Yang) had fun playing together. Mckenzie (Brown) and Lijian (Bacud), my two lefties, were a perfect match since last year, Breanna (Morgan) and Tayla (Barry) hit so hard that other teams moved to the back of the court. They did play hard every match. Bottom line is I have so much fun hanging out with these girls. So much respect for the accomplishment on and off the court.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 2 the team gathered for their end of the year awards. Co-MVP’s were Tay Talamantes and Carly Newbill. Mustang awards were presented to Danika Brown and Maddy Brewer. Team Captain was awarded to Haley Takaki. Rookie of the Year was earned by Tayla Barry. Best Top Spin went to Shannen Yang. Most Graceful was Taryn Lane. McKenzie Brown earned Best Net Play, Lijian Bacud took home Best Court Coverage and Breanna Morgan won the Best Down the Line Shot.