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Varsity Volleyball Claims Third Straight League Title
JV Champs, Frosh Second
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Five senior volleyball players were honored at Senior Night 2016. Shown, from left: Makkena Ryan, Camryn Salas, Marisella Nichols, Isabella Cobarruvias and Samantha Nickerson. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

For the third consecutive year, the Oakdale Lady Mustangs have clinched the Valley Oak League title. Oakdale defeated Central Catholic on the road in four sets (25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21) on Monday, Oct. 24. Oakdale then welcomed Lathrop to town on Wednesday night, Oct. 26 for Senior Night 2016. With a packed gym the Lady Mustangs honored their five seniors, and then won their third Valley Oak League title in as many years, knocking off Lathrop in three sets (25-15, 25-19, 25-9).

Oakdale recognized their five seniors in a pregame celebration. Camryn Salas, Samantha Nickerson, Isabella Cobarruvias, Makkena Ryan and Marisella Nichols were all presented with balloons and flowers at center court of the OHS Main Gym. Family members, fans and coaches were all in attendance for the memorable celebration.

Following the ceremony, it was down to business for the girls in their quest to win the league title. The seniors did their part to help secure the crown as Cobarruvias tallied a game high 24 assists. Nickerson helped out with nine kills and two blocks. Nichols powered her way to 10 digs and an ace in the regular season finale. Ryan contributed six kills, while Salas sparked the team with her seven digs. The Lady Mustangs also had contributing underclassmen in the win as Kailee Whorton had three aces and six digs. Abigail Matoso provided 11 kills in the contest.

“Senior night was a success, as we honored five players. Great night for them and the program,” said head coach Heather Gonzales.

The junior varsity girls capped off an undefeated season as they knocked off the visiting Spartans in two sets. Alyssa Cogburn, Grace Verdegaal and Brittany Gibson have been called up to varsity for the Lady Mustangs playoff run. The Lady Mustangs freshman girls also won in straight sets against Lathrop, and finished second in VOL behind undefeated Central Catholic.

Oakdale enters the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoff tournament as the seventh seed. Oakdale hosted 10th seeded El Camino on Tuesday, Nov. 1 following The Leader’s press time. A win on Tuesday would see Oakdale take on the winner of the Sonora (two seed) - Kimball (15 seed) match on Thursday, Nov. 3. The finals will be played on either Nov. 10 or Nov. 12 at Tokay High School.