By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Oakdale Snags Third in Invitational
IMG 6670
Bianca Varela took first place in the 11-12 girls 50-meter freestyle event with a time of 33.18 at the annual Oakdale Invitational held Saturday, June 6 at the Royse Memorial Pool. - photo by Kim Van Meter/The Leader
The Oakdale Gators swim team seems to be taking strides in the right direction with a positive third place finish during the Oakdale Invitational June 6 at the Royse Memorial Pool.
The Gators tallied over 400 points in action amongst eight local programs, closing the meet in third place behind invitational winners Ripon Sea Lions (648 points) and runner-up Tracy Tritons (548 points).
Oakdale was able to distance themselves from the lower half of competition, beating the Hughson Sea Dogs, Manteca Dolphins, Ceres Dolphins, Modesto Sharks and the Central Valley Aquatics Marlins of Turlock, who rounded out the meet finalists.
The Gators got quality performances from all over the pool, including high-point winner Emily Bennett, who earned 19-of-21 points for co-first place honors.
Savannah Stender continued along her impressive season, earning a first place finish in the 15-16 year old girl division with a dominant 21-of-21 first place points.
Brandon Terwilliger grabbed a second place finish, earning 18-of-21 points during the invitational. The Gators also saw vast improvements with some of their times, as Adam Beltran improved his 100-free time and 50-free times, while teammate Starr Draper saw her 100-free time shrink by 13.58 seconds.
New Gator acquisition Zacchaeus Richison improved his time in the 50-free by an impressive 33.36 seconds.
The Gators, who have a bye this weekend, will look to come off of a solid week of practice and put together a strong showing during the squads’ June 20 tri-meet at home alongside the Marlins and invitational champion Sea Lions.