Huntington Beach, Calif. - Despite commanding the lead in the first half of the game, the Rustlers could not overcome Grossmont in the final two innings. The loss was the first for Golden West (1-1), after winning their home opener just a day prior.

The first inning looked promising for the Rustlers as Melissa (Missy) Gilbuena connected with the pitch for a homerun, driving in Ciera Henson to put Golden West up 2-0.  The Rustlers held the lead until the top of the fourth where Grossmont's Charissa Nor hit a solo shot to center field to bring the Griffins within one.

Grossmont turned their game around in the top of the fifth inning, scoring three runs. Golden West responded with a comeback of three runs of their own, still holding the lead over the Griffins. Moriah Simpson advanced around the bases to score on a double from Sarah Craig, then Craig, as well as Gilbuena came home on 2RBI single by Katie Fredrickson.

The Rustlers lost the lead when Grossmont's Vanessa McHu scored in the sixth and Allie Cimmar set one sailing over the fence in the top of the seventh.

Golden West hits the road for the Great Western Shootout tournament in Yuma, AZ on February 1st and 2nd.