Rustlers Surge Past Chargers 17–5 to Advance to OEC Championship

Costa Mesa, Calif. – The No. 1 ranked Golden West College men's water polo team continued its dominant postseason run with a 17–5 semifinal victory over Cypress College in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Championships on Thursday afternoon at Orange Coast College.

With the win, the Rustlers (30–2, 6–0 OEC) advance to the OEC Championship Game where they will face host and No. 2 seed Orange Coast College on Saturday, November 8 at 1:50 p.m.

Golden West showcased its trademark balance and depth, scoring at least four goals in every quarter and controlling the match from start to finish.

Freshman Lucca Van Der Woude and Samuel Winchester each tallied three goals to lead a Rustler attack that saw 11 different players find the back of the net. Michael Rodgers and Ryder Tonkovich added two goals apiece, while Gavin Templeton, Joao Goncalves, and Wyatt Mitchell each chipped in key scores to keep the offense rolling.

Golden West held Cypress scoreless in the third quarter and limited the Chargers to just one goal in the fourth, showcasing their defensive discipline and depth.

The Rustlers' goaltending rotation was solid once again, as Gael Lemus, Jacob Shumard, and Tornike Bakarzde combined for six saves while allowing only five goals across four quarters. Lemus earned the win in goal after starting the first half and recording four saves.

Golden West, winners of eight consecutive 3C2A State Championships, will now have the chance to capture their 36th straight conference crown on Saturday against Orange Coast. The Rustlers previously defeated the Pirates 13–7 in regular-season play on October 22.