The 2024 season came to an end for the Oakdale High School volleyball team on Thursday night, Oct. 25. Oakdale took on Manteca High School in the regular season finale. During Senior Night festivities, Oakdale honored a trio of senior players; Jaelyn Ghiglia, Bryson Vargas and Leah Sales.

“These senior players were amazing to have. Each are special and I am so excited and grateful for each of them,” said Oakdale coach Kaitlyn Burke.

It was a road win for Manteca in four sets; 25-22, 17-25, 25-22, 25-18. In the opening set, Oakdale built up an 11-6 advantage before a Buffalo time out. Manteca came storming back following the time out and tied the game at 21. Manteca finished the set on a 19-11 run. The second set belong to Oakdale as they went up 16-10 following a Ghiglia point. Sales also got in the act as she slammed the ball between a pair of Buffaloes. Oakdale built up a 20-14 lead forcing a time out by the visitors. Oakdale went on to win the set 25-17.

Set three was a back-and-forth showcase of determination by both teams. The set was tied at 3, 6, 10, 13, 17 and 20 at one point of the game. Lauren Ghiglia served the ball just before hitting the line to stay fair to give Oakdale a 21-20 edge. However, Manteca went on a 3-0 run to go up 23-21 having Oakdale spend a time out. Manteca won the set 25-22.

The final set saw Oakdale off to a fast start. Avery Gleason scored consecutive points for Oakdale on a block, then she tapped the ball over the net to empty space to give Oakdale a 7-2 advantage. The Mustangs had a 13-9 lead and went up 14-9 following a Vargas serve. Vargas also had a dig and contributed to another Mustang point to go up 16-11. Manteca regrouped and went on a 12-0 run to go up 23-16. A bad serve by Manteca ended the Mustang drought but they would ultimately lose 25-18.

“It’s a sad feeling knowing that this is it. The season is over and those girls worked hard all year. We built up the program and I am going to miss these girls and the program,” said Burke, who is stepping down as coach.