GOLDEN WEST CAPTURES OEC TITLE

The Golden West College beach volleyball team capped off a remarkable conference season by clinching the Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Championship on the road, defeating Riverside City College 4-1 before sweeping Fullerton College 5-0 in a decisive doubleheader.

The Rustlers showcased their depth and resilience throughout the day, securing the program's conference crown with a complete team effort across all five pairs.

In the opening dual against Riverside City College, Golden West earned a 4-1 victory behind strong performances throughout the lineup. The No. 1 pair of Maren Matthews and Megan Freck led the way with a 21-18, 21-13 win. At No. 2, Jenna Zaffino and Mackenzie Dorney battled through a three-set match to win 21-14, 18-21, 15-10.

Golden West added another key point at No. 4, where Cassandra Zoellers and Sorelle Buley secured a hard-fought 21-11, 20-22, 15-8 victory. The clinching point came at No. 5 as Emalee Alton and Annalee Smith delivered a 21-13, 21-15 win. Riverside's lone point came at the No. 3 position.

With the conference title within reach, the Rustlers left no doubt in the second dual, sweeping Fullerton College 5-0 in dominant fashion.

Matthews and Freck controlled the No. 1 match from start to finish, earning a decisive 21-4, 21-8 victory. Zaffino and Dorney followed with a 21-12, 21-11 win at No. 2, while Jalissa Costa and Pearl Miller added a 21-8, 21-11 victory at No. 3.

At No. 4, Zoellers and Buley delivered one of the most dominant performances of the day, cruising to a 21-2, 21-5 win. The No. 5 pair of Alton and Smith secured the final point via forfeit to complete the sweep.

This is the Rustlers first conference title since the 2018 season and fourth OEC title in program history. They will look to close out the conference schedule next Friday at home against Orange Coast at 10 am.

Story by Golden West College Sports Information Office