Rustlers Outlast Saddleback in Five-Set Thriller to Take Sole Possession of Second in the OEC

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The Golden West College women's volleyball team battled through five grueling sets to defeat Saddleback College, 26-28, 25-23, 25-18, 24-26, 15-10, securing sole possession of second place in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC). The Rustlers improved to 13-3 overall and 9-2 in conference play, while the visiting Bobcats fell to 12-5, 8-3 OEC.

The Rustlers showcased their resilience in a back-and-forth match filled with long rallies and momentum swings. After dropping the first set 28-26, Golden West bounced back with determined play in the second and third frames, hitting a match-best .302 in the third set. Saddleback forced a decisive fifth after narrowly winning the fourth 26-24, but the Rustlers stayed composed, pulling away late in the final set to close out the victory 15-10.

Sophomore standouts Jalissa Costa and Jenna Zaffino were unstoppable at the net, each tallying 25 and 24 kills, respectively. Costa added 12 digs, four service errors forced, and one ace to finish with a match-high 27.5 points, while Zaffino hit .304 with three aces and 26 digs, also totaling 27 points.

Setter Meghan Freck guided the offense with 38 assists, 19 digs, and a service ace, while Cassandra Zoellers chipped in 25 assists. Annalee Smith anchored the Rustlers defensively with 19 digs, and Lizbeth Espinoza contributed solid front-row defense with five blocks (one solo, four assisted).

Golden West finished the night with 72 kills, 108 digs, and 13 total blocks, holding Saddleback to a .096 hitting percentage.

The win marks another key step for the Rustlers in their pursuit of hosting a playoff match as they extended their winning streak to five matches.

Golden West will return to action on Friday, October 31, when they travel to face Irvine Valley College in another conference matchup. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.