Rustlers Remain Undefeated in OEC Play
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — The Golden West College beach volleyball team strengthened its grip on the top spot in the Orange Empire Conference with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Orange Coast College on March 20 at the Newland Street Beach Courts.
The Rustlers (GWC) delivered in key moments, winning three of five pairs matches to secure sole possession of first place in conference play.
Golden West set the tone early at the top flights. The No. 1 pair of Maren Matthews and Meghan Freck battled through a three-set thriller against OCC's Ihrig/Vienna, pulling out a 23-21, 17-21, 15-5 victory. The duo's first three set match all season served as an early spark for the Rustlers.
At the No. 2 position, Jenna Zaffino and Mackenzie Dorney controlled their match from start to finish, earning a convincing straight-sets win, 21-12, 21-7, to give Golden West a 2-0 advantage.
Orange Coast responded by taking the No. 3 and No. 4 matches in straight sets, evening the team score at 2-2 and setting up a decisive fifth flight.
With the dual on the line, Emalee Alton and Annalee Smith delivered under pressure. The pair turned in a dominant performance, defeating OCC's No. 5 team 21-12, 21-2 to clinch the match for the Rustlers.
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No. 1 – Maren Matthews / Meghan Freck earned their first three set victory of the season over Kayla Ihrig / Sophie Vienna, 23-21, 17-21, 15-5.
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No. 2 – Jenna Zaffino / Mackenzie Dorney followed with a dominant 21-12, 21-7 win against Nika Safavi / Brynn Bisher.
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No. 3 – Jalissa Costa / Pearl Miller fell to OCC's Lola Fernsten / Ella Headstaff, 21-8, 21-12.
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No. 4 – Cassandra Zoellers / Sorelle Buley lost to the Pirate's Joey Payan / Dezi Butler, 21-9, 21-17.
- No. 5 – Emalee Alton / Annalee Smith clinched the match by defeated Sanampreet Sanra / Mikhaela Lucus 21-12, 21-2
The Rustlers are back in action Friday, March 27th at home against Santa Ana College at 10am and Saddleback College at 11am.