Obviously the Oakdale Swim Team would have loved a better finish, but things could have been worse for the squad during its fourth place finish in the Hughson Invitational at Pitman High in Turlock on June 27.
The Gators, like the other seven swim programs in the area, had no answer for the up-and-coming Ripon Sea Lions, who amassed an invitational best 1,201.5 points on their way to the easy tournament win.
Oakdale settled in with a middle-of-the-pack fourth place finish, following up the host Hughson Sea Dogs (888-points) and the Tracy Tritons (781-points).
The Gators muscled up a disappointing 434 points, giving the squad a definite goal to reach for following the bye week break this upcoming weekend.
Oakdale did get some positive showings in the 105-plus degree weather with Emily Bennett (9-10 girls) racking up 27-of-27 points for a first place finish. Shelby Stender was not to be outdone, pulling down 27-of-27 points in her 11-12 year old division. For the 13-14 girls, Katie Rondenburg was third with 20-of-27 points.
Youngster Cade Carroll improved on his 25-free time by nearly 12 seconds and teammate Makenzie Phillips bettered her 100-IM time by over 15 seconds.
Sara Bennett put together her most impressive meet, improving on all three of her event times for her best meet as a Gator thus far.
Oakdale also saw time improvements from Chris Bradley, Cassie Lee, Braden Lee, Brooklyn Pope, Xena Thompson, Katie and Ronnie Vanderburg during the invitational.
Oakdale will rest up through the holiday weekend and return to the pool with the Ceres tri-meet alongside Ceres and Modesto on July 11 in Ceres.
The Gators, like the other seven swim programs in the area, had no answer for the up-and-coming Ripon Sea Lions, who amassed an invitational best 1,201.5 points on their way to the easy tournament win.
Oakdale settled in with a middle-of-the-pack fourth place finish, following up the host Hughson Sea Dogs (888-points) and the Tracy Tritons (781-points).
The Gators muscled up a disappointing 434 points, giving the squad a definite goal to reach for following the bye week break this upcoming weekend.
Oakdale did get some positive showings in the 105-plus degree weather with Emily Bennett (9-10 girls) racking up 27-of-27 points for a first place finish. Shelby Stender was not to be outdone, pulling down 27-of-27 points in her 11-12 year old division. For the 13-14 girls, Katie Rondenburg was third with 20-of-27 points.
Youngster Cade Carroll improved on his 25-free time by nearly 12 seconds and teammate Makenzie Phillips bettered her 100-IM time by over 15 seconds.
Sara Bennett put together her most impressive meet, improving on all three of her event times for her best meet as a Gator thus far.
Oakdale also saw time improvements from Chris Bradley, Cassie Lee, Braden Lee, Brooklyn Pope, Xena Thompson, Katie and Ronnie Vanderburg during the invitational.
Oakdale will rest up through the holiday weekend and return to the pool with the Ceres tri-meet alongside Ceres and Modesto on July 11 in Ceres.
