Huntington Beach, CA - Golden West softball (9-6, 5-4 OEC) takes the series against the Santa Ana Dons (5-14, 2-7 OEC), 6-2. 

The Rustlers and Dons met at Golden West College for a rubber match to determine which squad would take the regular season series. On Tuesday, the Rustlers took the first matchup 8-2 but dropped the middle game at Santa Ana 2-7. With the series tied and back at home, Golden West worked to take the series and stay atop the Orange Empire Conference standings. 

On an overcast day in Huntington Beach, both sides were able to put runners on early but not cross home plate. The Dons scored first in the top of the second inning off of two hits, 0-1. Golden West responded right back with two runs in the bottom of the third frame. Orla Keys got it started with a lead off knock and Shelby Jacobsz singled her in from first, 1-1. Desyree Arizmendi took the lead for the home team with a sacrifice fly out to score Jacobsz, 2-1. 

Santa Ana tied it back up in the fourth from a triple, 2-2. The Rustlers answered and did so in a big way. In the fourth, Golden West plated four runs in the sixth to take a substantial lead. On a walk for Keys, the Dons catcher threw down to third base and the ball got away which allowed the winning run to touch home, 3-2. Sara Aguilar stepped up to the batters box and roped a three-RBI triple to add an insurance run for the final frame, 6-3. Golden West took the conference victory over Santa Ana, 6-2. 

Aguilar collected three of the Rustlers six runs on the day with her 1-3 and three RBIs afternoon. Keys smacked a hit for a 1-3 and scored twice while Jacobsz also scored twice. Arizmendi had a great day at the plate and in the pitching circle. She laced two hits for a 2-2 day with an RBI, run scored and a walk. Golden West took the regular season series against Santa Ana with their two victories. 

UP NEXT: Golden West will remain home for a non-conference game against LA Harbor on Monday, March 25th. First pitch will be at 2pm.