Diamonds are forever.
It’s not a jewelry advertisement as much as a motto for Oakdale High softball players.
Lady Mustang graduates are about as common a sight on college softball diamonds as the bases.
By last count, seven Oakdale alumni are currently enjoying an active position on a college roster, while Mustang grad and former Humboldt University slugger, Alicia Reid, is now an assistant coach for the Jacks.
Oakdale graduates have delivered dazzling performances in recent weeks to make college softball headlines. Following is a summary of recent reports.
Andrea Lutz
A brilliant seven-inning affair that allowed no runners to reach base accomplished the first complete perfect game in William Jessup University history for 2009 OHS grad, Andrea Lutz, on March 14.
Lutz downed all 21 batters in succession for the greatest pitching performance in school lore. She struck out nine and improved to a 2.01 earned-run average as William Jessup won the game 5-0.
Lutz has led the program to its best start in school history at 19-9. The Warriors of Rocklin have 17 games remaining on their schedule.
Alanna Jones
Davis & Elkins College of West Virginia (6-7) has enjoyed the talents of 2010 Oakdale grad Alanna Jones.
The standout pitcher was named the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference pitcher of the week for two consecutive weeks.
Jones tossed 11 complete innings with one earned run allowed and 10 strikeouts to nab the first honor, then chipped in 22 strikeouts across a week of action with one earned-run surrendered. She received the recognition on Feb. 25 and March 4.
Ghianna Falconi
The college career of 2012 OHS grad Ghianna Falconi got off to a tremendous start at Cal State Stanislaus (8-9) on March 2.
The Warrior freshman was a stunning 3 for 3 in her first ever appearance and scored three times to lead Stanislaus to a 7-6 win over San Francisco State.
Falconi belted a run-scoring triple, a single through the infield and a single to centerfield. She scored after the last hit when her stolen base forced an errant throw into centerfield. Falconi raced all the way home on the play.
Shelby Reali
Some strong games on the hill have helped 2012 Oakdale graduate Shelby Reali compile a 5-3 record on the year and a 13-8 start for Notre Dame de Namur University.
Reali has been used extensively with 56 innings-pitched, 45 strikeouts and a 3.11 ERA. Reali recorded her first career shutout against Menlo College and has appeared in 11 contests.
Brianna Parker
The 2011 Oakdale grad has played 13 games for Texas Southern, where she is primarily utilized as a hitter. Parker has nine hits and five RBIs as the Tigers are 13-5 on the season.
Marissa Toy
Action in 12 games has allowed 2009 Oakdale grad Marissa Toy to score four times for San Jose State (19-10) this year.
Kaila Olson
The savvy second baseman and 2012 Oakdale graduate has appeared in six games (one start) for UC Davis. She has scored two runs for the Aggies (13-13).