Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West women's basketball (3-0, 0-0 OEC) Santa Monica Corsairs   (2-4, 0-0 WSC). 

The undefeated Rustlers hosted the Corsairs for their second home game of the week. Golden West jumped ahead with a score to begin the matchup. From there it was a battle up and down the court for possession. Fouls and miscues by the home team put the squad at a disadvantage. Halfway through the first frame, Santa Monica was able to take a six point lead. Steals from Kim Rivera and Kayla Terry helped the Rustlers flip the court and tie the game, 11-11. The back and forth first ten minutes ended with the Corsairs on top, 13-17. 

Santa Monica looked to extend their lead but key steals and rebounds helped Golden West turn the script around. A three-point shot from Alana Flores put the Rustlers up and electrified the crowd. A quick pass in a tight window from Rivera allowed Laoren Jordan an easy layup. Midway through the second frame, Ty Adams extended the Golden West lead to seven off of a jump shot. A three-point shot from Princess McCauley iced the first half with a Golden West lead, 37-32. 

Points were not exchanged for the first two minutes of play to start the second half. The Corsairs reopened the scoring as they cut their deficit to three. Throughout the third quarter, the Rustlers kept their consistent edge around six points. A steal and score from Ty Adams energized the crowd and Golden West bench. A behind the back pass from Adams to McCauley extended the home team's lead to double digits. The third frame closed with Golden West up, 55-39. 

As the matchup entered the final ten minutes, the Rustlers worked to improve to 3-0 and remain undefeated. With six minutes left in regulation, Makayla Heffernan hit a three to put her team up 27 points, 66-39. With four minutes left in the game, the Rustlers would drop 70 points. Golden West would win their third straight as they topped Santa Monica, 79-42. 

McCauley led the team in scoring with 26 points and recorded four steals. Two Rustlers earned a double-double as Jordan scored 12 points and came down 17 rebounds. Kayla Terry found the net for 10 points and 14 rebounds. Golden West is on a three game winning streak to begin the 2023-24 season. 

NEXT UP: Golden West will begin a three game road trip at the San Diego College Tournament against Chaffey on Saturday, November 18th. Tip off will be at 1pm.