W Volleyball: Stunned in Five Set Thriller to Comets

W Volleyball: Stunned in Five Set Thriller to Comets

Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West came out and dominated the first two sets of the match but winning the third set proved difficult as they fell to Palomar in a five set thriller 25-11, 25-13, 20-25, 26-28, and 18-20. 

The first two sets the Rustlers hit .320 and .360 with minimal mistakes and looked poised to finish off a 3-0 sweep at home until the Comets got hot late in the third set. The momentum shifted with each rally in the fourth set as both teams battled leading to a Palomar set win 28-26 to set up a tension gripping fifth set. 

Golden West would take an early 5-2 lead in the fifth set forcing the Comets to take their first timeout. The Rustlers found themselves behind 9-7 before head coach Bill Lawler used his first timeout to refocus, which proved fruitful as the Rustlers would take a 14-13 lead. Unfortunately, Golden West couldn't close it out and fell 20-18 in the decisive fifth set. 

Sophomore Adriana Morales led the Rustlers with 19 kills on the night and freshman Maci Hendry tallied 13 kills. 

Golden West will open Orange Empire Conference play on Friday as they are set to host Santa Ana College at 6pm.