The 2019 Valley Oak League season has begun for Oakdale High School softball. The varsity Lady Mustangs are 2-0 after making short work of both Kimball and Weston Ranch this past week. In the two games, Oakdale outscored their opponents, 33-0.

On Tuesday, March 19 Oakdale (10-0-1, 2-0) traveled to Tracy to face the Kimball Jaguars (1-4-0, 0-2) and tamed the Jags 10-0. Two days later the girls hosted Weston Ranch (4-5, 0-1). An 11-run second inning helped break the game open and it was called in five innings. In the second inning Oakdale had nine hits including a leadoff double by Jazzlynn Velasquez. An RBI triple by Brittany Bye, and a two RBI triple by Cortney Koelmans also highlighted the big inning. In the lopsided victory, Oakdale had a total of nine extra base hits. They were also walked a total of six times.

Pitching a complete game shutout was junior Mariyn Waterman. She pitched five innings giving up just two hits, issued one walk and struck out 12 Cougar batters.

“Emily Smith did a great job behind the plate catching for me,” said Waterman. “I think our team chemistry is at a high, the highest I’ve seen it in my three years with the team, and that has us playing well right now.”

On Monday, March 25 the girls hosted Sierra (1-2, 1-1). The league game was held following The Leader’s press time. Oakdale will play the Timberwolves again on Tuesday, April 2 in Manteca. Sandwiched in between the two games, Oakdale will travel to Manteca to take on the Buffaloes (4-3, 1-0). That game was scheduled for Tuesday, March 26.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Much like the varsity, Oakdale’s JV girls played in dominant fashion to open the regular season. The girls defeated Kimball 14-1 on the road in five innings. Katie Silva pitched four strong innings giving up one hit and dished out six strikeouts. At the plate Silva went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Amanda Bricker went 3-for-4 with an RBI triple. Jadyn Rau went 2-for-3 with an RBI. As a team, Oakdale had 12 hits. On Thursday, the girls had very little trouble against visiting Weston Ranch as the team defeated the Cougars 28-0. In the contest pitcher Bailey Hardey pitched all five innings and threw a no hitter.