It has been a rough start for the Oakdale High School girls volleyball team thus far. Earlier in the season, Oakdale lost senior player Paige Taylor to injury. On Wednesday night, Sept. 6 the team paid tribute to Taylor during their home game against Gregori.

“She is a very good defensive player for our team, very important and we all wanted to do something for her,” said fellow senior teammate Karlie Spencer. Oakdale defeated Gregori in three sets.

In set one, the girls squeaked past Gregori 25-23.

“We wanted to remain positive and encourage everyone. I feel like the bench players helped carry us with their energy and that positivity transferred over to the players on the court,” said Spencer.

The second set Oakdale dominated 25-8. In the third set Oakdale closed out the evening with a 25-20 victory.

This week the girls open up Valley Oak League play. On Thursday, Sept. 14 Oakdale travels to Manteca to face Sierra. Last season the Timberwolves swept Oakdale in the head-to-head battle. The varsity match is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Oakdale will continue their road trip against Manteca on Tuesday, Sept. 19 when they take on the Buffaloes. Thursday, Sept. 21 the girls will host East Union in their Valley Oak League home opener.

“We hope to have a successful Valley Oak League season. As a team, I think if we remain positive, encourage each other, and practice hard, I think we can achieve big things,” Spencer said. “We have the right group of players and we all have the same goal in mind, to win Valley Oak League and make a postseason run.”