In a commanding performance, the Golden West College (GWC) Rustlers women's volleyball team swept the Fullerton College Hornets 3-0, winning each set decisively. The Rustlers showcased their power and consistency, triumphing 25-20, 25-13, and 25-10. With an overall hitting percentage of .247 compared to Fullerton's .011, Golden West's efficiency was the key to their dominant win.
First Set: Rustlers Set the Tone
The Rustlers came out strong in the first set, maintaining control throughout. Their offensive power was led by standout performances from players like Maren Matthews (#7), who had an impressive .333 hitting percentage with 3 kills. GWC took the first set 25-20, battling through errors but showcasing superior serve receive at 2.17 compared to Fullerton's 1.90.
Second Set: GWC's Momentum Grows
Golden West tightened their grip in the second set, cruising to a 25-13 win. Fabiana Padilla (#2) and Kendall Cathey (#3) led the offensive charge, each contributing with kills and steady play. The Rustlers dominated at the service line, serving at 91.9% efficiency and recording 10 aces throughout the match. Shea Carroll (#5) and Cassandra Zoellers (#6) helped keep the defense sharp, with Zoellers adding 8 digs.
Third Set: Rustlers Finish Strong
By the third set, the Rustlers were firing on all cylinders. With Fullerton struggling to keep pace, GWC closed out the match with a decisive 25-10 win. Jenna Zaffino (#11) and Trinity Webber (#8) added to the defense, as Golden West tallied 51 digs against Fullerton's 26, a key stat that helped suppress Fullerton's attack. Zaffino's strong backcourt play (7 digs) and solid serving from players like Hayden Johnston (#14) helped GWC maintain their momentum.
Team Stats and Standout Performances
The Rustlers led in nearly every statistical category, with 36 assists compared to Fullerton's 15, and out served their opponents, racking up 10 aces to Fullerton's 2. Though Fullerton had a slight edge in blocks (1.5 to GWC's 1.0), it wasn't enough to slow down Golden West's balanced attack.
Fabiana Padilla emerged as one of the key contributors with a perfect serving percentage and a solid all-around game, while Kendall Cathey and Ashlynd Larson (#4) provided critical offensive support. Maren Matthews' consistent hitting was another highlight, helping the Rustlers overpower the Hornets in three straight sets.
NEXT: Golden West travels to Orange Coast Friday, October 4 for a 6pm start.
