Rustlers Sweep Sierra and American River to Extend Winning Streak

Huntington Beach, Calif. – The No. 1 ranked Golden West College men's water polo team continued its dominant 2025 campaign with a statement doubleheader sweep on Wednesday afternoon, rolling past No. 10 Sierra College, 20–6, and No. 5 American River College, 16–3, at the Golden West Aquatics Complex. With the two victories, the Rustlers improved to 22–1 overall, extending their winning streak to 19 atop the state rankings.

Game 1 – #1 Golden West 20, #10 Sierra 6

Golden West set the tone from the opening sprint, using a 4–1 first quarter and explosive 8–goal second frame to put the game out of reach before halftime. Jack Wright led all scorers with four goals, while Lucca Van Der Woude netted three and Ryder Tonkovich, Gavin Abbott, Talan Costello, and Wemmer Van Beukering powered a balanced attack. In total, 12 different Rustlers recorded a goal or assist.

The defensive unit was equally sharp, forcing turnovers and limiting Sierra to single goals in each quarter. Goalkeepers Boston Frost, Gael Lemus, and Tornike Bakarzde combined to allow just six goals while turning away multiple close-range attempts.

Golden West led 12–3 at the break and outscored Sierra 8–3 in the second half to close out the 20–6 victory.

Game 2 – #1 Golden West 16, #5 American River 3

The Rustlers carried their momentum into the afternoon matchup, overpowering the Beavers with a 6–1 opening period and never looking back. Joao Goncalves paced the offense with a hat trick, while Wyatt Mitchell, Lucca Van Der Woude, Gavin Templeton, and Matt Wolf each scored twice to cap another commanding performance.

Golden West's defense once again stole the spotlight, holding American River scoreless in both the second and third quarters. Boston Frost anchored the cage with nine saves, surrendering just two goals in three quarters of work.

The Rustlers closed on a 6–1 fourth–quarter run to put an exclamation point on the 16–3 win.

Golden West is back in action again tomorrow morning when they take on Rio Hondo College at 8am to start their tournament.