Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West women's volleyball (5-1, 1-0 OEC) opened conference play with a victory over Irvine Valley (6-2, 0-1 OEC), 3-1. 

On September 15th, the Rustlers welcomed the No. 5 Lasers for the start of the Orange Empire Conference competitions. Hosted at Golden West College, the back and forth matchup saw the home team take the first set, 25-21. However, the Lasers battled back and won the second set, 17-25. 

From there, the Rustlers took control of the match as they went on to win the third set, 25-22. For the first conference game of the year, each side fought strong with little room for error. Golden West would separate themselves in the fourth and final set 25-20, to win the match, 3-1. Sabrina Phinizy led both teams with 28 kills, recorded nine digs and earned three service aces. Hayden Murray struck for three kills, two service aces and assisted her team 39 times. Head Coach Bill Lawler and the Rustlers earned their first OEC victory over a Lasers program who finished first in the conference in 2022. 

NEXT UP: Golden West will travel to Fullerton College for their second conference appearance on Wednesday, September 20th.