Thursday, Oct. 4 Oakdale High School gym was filled with spirt, survivors and supporters for the annual Pink Out volleyball game. Players and coaches from the Oakdale varsity volleyball program were wearing pink during the special game in awareness of breast cancer.
“It is important not just for us, but for all the brave women who have had to come face-to-face with breast cancer,” said Grace Verdegaal about the importance of Pink Out.
The Oakdale Lady Mustangs made short work of the visiting Lancers as they won in three sets. In the first set Oakdale opened on a dominant 5-0 run forcing East Union to call timeout. Oakdale closed out the first set minutes later to win 25-7. East Union entered the second set more focused and competitive as they built up a 15-10 advantage on Oakdale. Oakdale regrouped following a timeout and went on an 8-3 run to tie it at 18. The Lady Mustangs found themselves in a 23-20 hole but dug steadily out of it, as Abby Cogburn, a freshman, leaped up and spiked the ball to tie it at 23. Senior Lindsay Musgrave tipped the ball over the net on the next play and gave Oakdale a 24-23 lead. Jodie Whitley scored on the following play to earn a thrilling 25-23 second set victory.
Much like the second set, Oakdale trailed early in the set as they were down 6-4, and ultimately tied it at 10 and then rallied from 14-11 to tie it again at 14 before East Union called timeout. Oakdale proved to be too much for the visiting team and went on an 11-7 run to close out the series.
“We fed off the fans energy tonight, it was great having that support behind us,” said Verdegaal.
Oakdale hosted Weston Ranch on Tuesday, Oct. 9 for Senior Night 2018. The festivities and game took place following The Leader’s press time. Oakdale entered the game with a 5-4 league record and were in third place upon press time. Oakdale’s remaining two games will both be on the road as they take on first place Central Catholic on Thursday, Oct. 11 and wrap up the year at Sierra on Thursday, Oct. 18. Both road games are scheduled for 6 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
This week the girls picked up wins over both Kimball and East Union to go 7-0 in the Valley Oak League. Oakdale defeated Kimball 25-12 and 25-18 on the road on Tuesday, Oct. 2 and returned home for a 25-21, 25-22 win over East Union.
FRESHMEN
Just as the junior varsity team did, the freshman team also earned a pair of victories this past week. Oakdale defeated Kimball in two sets 25-18, 25-17 on the road and beat East Union in straight sets as well, this time on the home court.
