Rustlers Outlast Owls in Five-Set Thriller

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The Golden West College women's volleyball team battled through five sets to earn their first victory of the 2025 season, defeating the Citrus College Owls 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 15-25, 15-8 on Friday night inside the GWC Gym. With the win, the Rustlers improve to 1-1, while the Owls fall to 3-3.

Golden West came out strong, hitting .314 in the opening frame and cruising to a 25-16 win. The Rustlers kept their momentum in the second, taking control late to secure a 25-22 victory and build a two-set lead.

Citrus responded with determination, winning tight third and fourth sets behind the play of Sophia Martinez (16 kills, 31 digs) and Emma Cristales (14 kills). The Owls forced a decisive fifth set after claiming the fourth 25-15.

The Rustlers regrouped in the final set, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. Strong attacking from Jenna Zaffino and Emalee Alton, combined with key defensive plays, sealed the 15-8 win and the match.

Rustler Standouts

• Jenna Zaffino – 15 kills, 10 digs, 16 points

• Emalee Alton – 12 kills, .256 hitting percentage, 12.5 points

• Jalissa Costa – 9 kills, 7 digs, 11 points

• Sorelle Buley – 8 kills, 9 points

• Elyse Varipapa – 28 digs, 1 ace

• Cassandra Zoellers / Meghan Freck – Combined 34 assists, 18 digs

Golden West tallied 48 kills as a team, with Zaffino leading the charge. Varipapa's defensive presence in the back row anchored the Rustler defense, while Zoellers and Freck kept the offense balanced.

NEXT: Rustlers are back hosting West LA on Wednesday, Sepetember 3 with a 4pm start.