The setter led the Vikings to sweeps of Capital Valley League foes Del Campo, Bella Vista, and Rio Linda to improve Oakmont’s record to 25-2, including a 4-0 mark in league play. The captain has been key in helping the team to a somewhat surprising vault to the top of the CVL standings and into the discussion of potential Sac-Joaquin Section title contenders. Gladwill leads the league with 52 aces. Her 204 assists are tops on the team with big efforts in the Vikings’ recent wins, recording 54 assists in nine games.
The setter led the Vikings to sweeps of Capital Valley League foes Del Campo, Bella Vista, and Rio Linda to improve Oakmont’s record to 25-2, including a 4-0 mark in league play. The captain has been key in helping the team to a somewhat surprising vault to the top of the CVL standings and into the discussion of potential Sac-Joaquin Section title contenders. Gladwill leads the league with 52 aces. Her 204 assists are tops on the team with big efforts in the Vikings’ recent wins, recording 54 assists in nine games.
SportStars: Have you been surprised by the team’s success this year?
Brennah Gladwill: We haven’t been that surprised as a team. At the beginning of the year, we had a good feeling that this could be our year. We are a senior-loaded team and have two sophomores that have been real good.
SSM: Do you consider yourselves underdogs still?
BG: We felt like underdogs until we got our first big win over Christian Brothers. Now, I think that maybe we have outgrown the underdog label and we feel that we should be on people’s radars now.
SSM: As a three-year varsity player and second-year captain, what is your leadership role?
BG: I am definitely the positive one that is always encouraging teammates and trying to keep everyone smiling. Our other captain (senior Katie Carte) gives more direction on the floor, but our jobs are made easier by having so many seniors.
SSM: Has the team’s success brought more attention and recognition to the program?
BG: Definitely. Our crowd has grown so much from where we started this year. There used to be just a few people in the gym, but the school is absolutely more interested and the gym is packed now.
Isaiah Saunders —The Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove senior running back rushed for 268 yards and six touchdowns in the Eagles’ 55-20 victory over Sheldon-Sacramento. He has 1,002 yards rushing and 11 TDs for the season.
Hannah Gregg — The Placer-Auburn senior continued her Pioneer Valley League dominance by earning medalist honors in team victories over Center and Bear River. Gregg fired an even-par 36 at The Ridge and a 43 at Cherry Island.
Niko Hansen — The Jesuit-Carmichael senior scored twice and added an assist in the Marauders’ 4-0 boys soccer victory over defending SJS Div. I-champion Davis. He added three more goals over Jesuit’s next two matches. As of Oct. 11, the Marauders (18-1-1) were ranked No. 5 nationally.