Three non-conference games resulted in three victories for the Oakdale High School varsity softball team. The busy week began with a 9-0 blanking of Patterson, followed by a 9-3 road win over Tracy and bookended with a 4-2 home win over Merced.

On Tuesday, March 12 the girls made short work of visiting Patterson as Oakdale’s bats and pitching were on point. Rilyn Cassaretto led the team at the plate going 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Brittany Bye, Lexi Webb and Cortney Koelmans each had two hits and combined for four RBI. Oakdale had a total of 14 hits in the game.

Webb started the game in the circle and struck out a dozen Tiger batters in five innings of work. Mariyn Waterman pitched two innings in relief.

“We carried over our hot offense from the Franklin Tournament the weekend before,” said Coach Larry Loger. “Our pitching has been great.”

The next day Oakdale traveled to Tracy to take on the defending CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I champions.

“We looked forward to playing them,” said Loger.

Webb helped carry the team both offensively and defensively. She launched a home run and had two RBI as she went 2-for-2 with a walk. She also pitched five innings giving up just one hit and striking out 10.

At the plate, Waterman went 3-for-3 with three RBI, Koelmans hit a double and Emily Smith went 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI and was issued a walk.

“Once our offense got going, they could not turn it off,” Loger said.

Friday evening the girls battled with Merced. For the first time this season, Oakdale found themselves in a hole. Down 2-0 in the fourth inning, Oakdale regrouped and scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. With the game tied at two with two outs, Smith hit a two run single that would be the difference.

With the win, Oakdale improved to 7-0-1 and opens Valley Oak League play this week. On Tuesday, March 19 the team traveled to Tracy to take on Kimball in the league opener. The game was played following The Leader’s press time. On Thursday, March 21 the girls host Weston Ranch in their home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Much like the varsity squad, Oakdale’s JV girls went 3-0 this past week. Oakdale defeated Patterson 10-0, Tracy 10-2 and Merced 7-2.