Winding down the regular season, Oakdale High School’s varsity volleyball team had a pair of games this past week. On Tuesday, Oct. 9 the varsity team defeated visiting Weston Ranch in three sets to cap off Senior Night 2018.
Prior to the team’s big win, family members, friends and fans celebrated the careers of seven senior volleyball players. Lindsay Musgrave, Alyssa Cogburn, Grace Verdegaal, Jodie Whitley, Brittany Gibson, Caroline Hamilton and Madison Carter were all recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the Lady Mustangs volleyball program.
“It was an emotional night for sure, I am fortunate and appreciative to be a part of this program;” said Hamilton.
In the game Oakdale (7-8, 6-5) made short work of the Cougars (13-10, 1-9) as they took the first set 25-13. In the second set Oakdale trailed 7-6 but gathered themselves and went on a 6-1 run to take a 12-8 advantage, forcing a time out. With the score 14-13 Oakdale, the Lady Mustangs went on an 11-2 run to close out the set. Oakdale dominated the third set as they built up a 14-5 advantage following a big spike by Hamilton. Freshman Abby Cogburn scored the final two points of the night on back to back plays to close out the Cougars 25-11.
“It was a big win for us and an important one. This was senior night and if we want to make the playoffs we had to win tonight,” said senior Alyssa Cogburn.
On Thursday night, Oakdale traveled to Modesto to take on first place Central Catholic (28-8, 10-0). It was a hard fought series but the Raiders proved to be too much for Oakdale as they won in four sets. Oakdale took the first set 25-19 but then went down in the next three as Central Catholic defeated the Lady Mustangs in three straight sets 25-14, 25-19, 25-19.
Oakdale’s regular season finale will take place at Sierra (3-12, 1-8) on Thursday, Oct. 18 with game time scheduled for 6 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
It has been six games since the junior varsity team has lost a set. This past week Oakdale defeated Weston Ranch 25-16, 25-6 at home on Tuesday, Oct. 9. In the contest Tayler Lamb, Kenadie Patterson, Gisselle Juarez, Jordyn Elting and Breelie Gibson all helped the team to the win. Two days later the girls defeated Central Catholic 25-17, 25-21.
FRESHMEN
In their only contest of the week, Oakdale’s freshmen defeated Weston Ranch in three sets. Oakdale won the first set 25-12 but dropped the second set 25-20. In the decisive third set Oakdale came out on top 15-9.
