The Oakdale High School varsity volleyball team split their first two non-conference contests of the new season. After an earlier four-team scrimmage hosted at Escalon, the girls hit the road for a pair of non-conference showdowns against both Hughson and Sonora. The varsity girls split their road matches as they beat Hughson 3-0 and fell to Sonora in four sets, 3-1.

In the win over Hughson, Oakdale won the first set 25-19 and followed up with a 25-17 victory. The Lady Mustangs put away the Huskies with a 25-20 final set. Oakdale then went to Sonora to take on the Wildcats.

In the dramatic four-game set, Oakdale lost the first set 23-25, and then fell 27-29 in the second set. Oakdale bounced back in the third set to win 26-24. However, the Lady Mustangs rally fell short when they lost in the fourth set 21-25.

Emma Harper led the team in kills with eight, while Brittany Gibson had four for Oakdale. Grace Verdegaal had a team high five blocks and an ace. Alyssa Cogburn, Gibson and Caroline Hamilton each had three blocks. Cogburn led the team in assists with 18. Kailee Whorton led the team with a total of 26 assists.

“I am very proud of the way these girls played. I am excited for this season and look forward to this team’s development,” said head coach Heather Gonzales, who is entering her third year as head coach.

No stats or scores were provided to The Leader for the junior varsity or freshman teams for this week.

On Tuesday night, Aug. 28, Oakdale hosted Escalon in a non-league match. The contest was held following The Leader’s press time. Thursday, Aug. 30 the girls travel to Turlock to face Pitman. Freshmen take the court at 4 p.m., with junior varsity following at 5 p.m. and varsity at 6 p.m.