Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West played fantastic fundamental volleyball and handed rival Orange Coast its first loss of the season with a 25-20, 25-22, 15-25, 25-16 victory at home.
At the beginning of the first two sets it was a seesaw battle with neither team able to gain any significant momentum. Midway through the first set, Orange Coast (9-1, 3-1) was ahead 14-13 and Golden West (10-3, 2-2) took a timeout. That proved to be the right call as the Rustlers tallied 5 straight points. Golden West kept its pace and earned the 25-20 victory.
Midway through the second set saw a familiar 14-13 score, but this time it was in favor of the Rustlers. This set was always close with Golden West having a lead between 2 and 3 points. The lead was maintained and a 25-22 victory was secured thanks to consistent play by Ashley Pettibone and Gabi Nguyen. Pettibone was on fire the entire match finishing with a career high 21 kills and Nguyen was right behind her with 14.
Back row defense for Golden West was on point all night as 4 players surpassed the 20 dig mark. Pettibone led the way with 37 digs, Madison Koci, donning the white jersey, followed her with 33, Jasmine Hogan dug out 23 balls and Nguyen had 22 of her own. Front row defense was stellar as the Rustlers totaled a tremendous 19 blocks. Jewell Yandall and Hogan had a great night up front with 6 blocks a piece and Daisey Gonzalez was one away with 5.
One of the biggest difference makers throughout the match was that of a familiar face at a new position. For the first time in her colligate career, Kelynn Mullally traded in her white libero jersey for the black home jersey and lined up as the setter. Mullally's fantastic defense and unpredictable targets helped Golden West outsmart Orange Coast. She finished with a career high 37 assists and dug out 10 attacks.
On the eve of a sweep, Golden West played inconsistent for the first time all night. Everything seemed to go the way of the Pirates while coasting to a 25-15 win. Newport Harbor product Sierra Brown proved to be the bright light for Orange Coast finishing the night with 18 kills.
Golden West needed to take all momentum away from Orange Coast in this fourth set and that is exactly what happened. The Rustlers jumped out to an early 5-1 lead and never showed signs of fatigue or worry. The lead was sustained and expanded upon allowing the Rustlers to secure the 25-16 set win and the match 3-1.
Next Wednesday, Oct. 22 is when Golden West returns home to face Santa Ana.
