Hosting preseason action on their home court, the Oakdale High School varsity volleyball team welcomed Escalon to town on Tuesday night, Aug. 28.

The dramatic series went to five sets but it was the Cougars who clawed their way to victory. Oakdale won the first set 25-15 but fell 21-25 in the second. The third set Oakdale won 25-12 and appeared on their way to wrapping up the night but dropped back-to-back sets to the visitors. Escalon took set four 25-23 and the fifth and decisive set 18-16.

Freshman Abby Cogburn led Oakdale with 14 kills and her sister, Alyssa Cogburn led the team in both assists (31) and aces (7).

“It is great playing with my younger sister, it is a dream come true to share the court with her,” said Alyssa.

Emma Harper had 11 kills for Oakdale and Grace Verdegaal had a team high eight blocks on the night. Kailee Whorton showed hustle by leading the team in digs with five.

The girls began Valley Oak League play on Tuesday evening when they took on Manteca in a road contest, in a game played after The Leader’s press time. Thursday night, Sept. 6 Oakdale hosts Kimball in the regular season home opener. The contest is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. following both the freshmen and junior varsity games.

Against Escalon, the Oakdale JV girls earned a 2-0 victory as they won 25-16 and 25-23. It was a tough night for the freshman girls, as they fell to Escalon 2-1. Oakdale took the first set 25-17 but then dropped straight sets 25-27, 15-17.