Huntington Beach, CA  ‑ Even in a three-set defeat, the Golden West College men's volleyball team showed it deserved to be ranked among the best teams in the state.

The Rustlers, ranked No. 9 in the most recent California Community College Men's Volleyball Coaches Association State Poll, fell to rival Orange Coast in three sets in its Orange Empire Conference opener. Golden West pushed the Pirates, ranked No 2 in the state, in a competitive 22-25, 23-25, 17 -25 loss.

Sophomore Josh Kim led the Rustler (5-6, 0-1) with team-highs in kills (13), digs (six) and blocks (three). Freshman Luke Davis (Fountain Valley High) added five kills, a dig and a block, freshman Enzo Boggio (Schurr High) had four kills, three digs and a team-high 26 assists and sophomore Constantin Tolentino tallied four kills and a dig.

Golden West travels to play at Orange Coast on Wednesday before returning home to host No. 7 Fullerton on Friday, March 16 at 6 p.m.

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