Seven Rustlers Earn All-Orange Empire Conference Honors

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The Golden West College baseball program was well represented in the postseason awards as seven Rustlers earned All-Orange Empire Conference recognition following the 2025-26 campaign.

Headlining the honors were three First Team selections in infielder Cole Belfanti, outfielder Levi Maddela, and designated hitter Nick Salmon, while relief pitcher Cristian Brewster, catcher Max Senesac, utility player Matt Fox, and infielder Zach Fany were named to the Second Team.

Belfanti anchored the Rustlers' infield with a .319 batting average, collecting 45 hits, 25 RBI, and 29 runs scored in 39 games. The sophomore also added 12 doubles and showcased his versatility with steady defensive play at third base.

Maddela earned First Team honors after leading the team in hits (52) while batting .335 in 40 starts. The outfielder drove in 27 runs, scored 28 times, and posted a strong .448 on-base percentage, while contributing defensively with 122 putouts.

Salmon delivered one of the most impactful offensive seasons in the conference, hitting .327 with a team-best 11 home runs and 46 RBI. He also scored a team-high 42 runs and compiled a .673 slugging percentage, consistently producing in key moments throughout the season.

On the Second Team, Brewster emerged as a dominant force out of the bullpen, posting a 1.16 ERA across 23.1 innings with 29 strikeouts. Opponents hit just .176 against the right-hander, highlighting his reliability in high-leverage situations.

Senesac provided both offensive and defensive stability behind the plate, batting .300 with 22 RBI and three home runs. He recorded 175 putouts and finished with an impressive .995 fielding percentage, serving as a cornerstone of the Rustlers' defense.

Fany turned in a strong all-around season, hitting .321 with 44 hits, 35 runs scored, and 23 RBI. He added 12 doubles and three home runs while also contributing 11 stolen bases. Defensively, Fany was a key presence in the middle infield with 85 assists and a .987 fielding percentage.

Fox rounded out the selections with a consistent campaign, hitting .282 with 44 hits, 27 RBI, and 32 runs scored. The versatile infielder contributed across multiple positions and was a key piece in Golden West's lineup and defensive unit.

As a team, the Rustlers finished the season with a 21-19 overall record and hit .308 collectively, tallying 440 hits, 311 runs scored, and 33 home runs. Golden West also displayed discipline at the plate with 203 walks and an on-base percentage of .411.