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Varsity Volleyball Takes Loss In League Play
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Sophomore Emma Harper serves up the ball against the Raiders. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER
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Brittany Gibson, 16, goes airborne for the ball and sends it over the net against Central Catholic. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

In the team’s only match of the week, Oakdale’s varsity volleyball squad fell to visiting Central Catholic 3-0. The Valley Oak League showdown took place on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Oakdale High School.

The Lady Mustangs had an opportunity to take first place away from the Raiders but lost 3-0 to the visitors. The Raiders took the opening set 25-19 and made it appear that Oakdale was in for a long night. However, in set two Oakdale battled back-and-forth with the unbeaten Raiders. Oakdale faced an early deficit of 13-4 but settled down and made the score 17-15 to be within two points. The Raiders went on to take the set 25-22. In the third set Oakdale remained competitive and used its size up front with Caroline Hamilton, Emma Harper, Brittany Gibson and Jodie Whitley taking over in the front line. The girls battled from 10 down to tie the game at 20 following a time out. Oakdale then took the lead 23-21 following a heads up play by Alyssa Cogburn. The Raiders then took a time out and regrouped to tie the game at 24. Oakdale could not surpass the visiting team and lost 27-25 in the final set of the dramatic contest in front of a large audience.

With the loss Oakdale is currently 3-2 on the season in league and are in third place in the Valley Oak League standings. On Tuesday, Sept. 25 the girls hosted Sierra (2-7, 0-4) following The Leader’s press time. Thursday, Sept. 27 Oakdale faces Manteca (12-3, 4-1) in a pivotal VOL contest, which Oakdale will host. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

Oakdale won its home matchup with Central Catholic on Tuesday, Sept. 18. The JV Lady Mustangs won 2-1. After dropping the first set 25-21, Oakdale returned in the second set and handed the Raiders a 25-21 loss and closed it out 15-8 in the third set. Oakdale went to 5-0 in Valley Oak League play with that win. On Tuesday, Sept. 25 the girls hosted Sierra following press time for The Leader. Oakdale returns to action on Thursday, Sept. 27 when they host Manteca at 5 p.m.

 

FRESHMEN

The freshman girls fell to St. Francis in the opening round of Stockton Classic Tournament over the weekend. No further stats were provided by press time. Oakdale returns to Valley Oak League action this Thursday night when they host Manteca at 4 p.m.