Rustlers Shine at Home, Defeat Cerritos 4–1 and Edge Ventura 3–2 in Beach Volleyball Doubleheader

Rustlers Shine at Home, Defeat Cerritos 4–1 and Edge Ventura 3–2 in Beach Volleyball Doubleheader
January 30, 2026

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - The Golden West College beach volleyball team put together a strong showing at home on Friday, earning a pair of hard-fought victories in a doubleheader against Cerritos College and Ventura College at the GWC Beach Volleyball Complex.

The Rustlers opened the day with a convincing 4–1 win over Cerritos College, then capped the afternoon with a gritty 3–2 victory against Ventura College, showcasing depth and resilience across the lineup.

Match 1: Golden West 4, Cerritos 1

Golden West set the tone early against the Falcons, taking four of the five pairs matches.

  • No. 1 Pair: Maren Matthews / Meghan Freck battled through three sets to secure a 21-13, 20-22, 15-10 win over Tobie/Cazares.

  • No. 2 Pair: Jenna Zaffino / Mackenzie Dorney earned a straight-set victory, 21-16, 21-13, against Soto Castro/Lewis.

  • No. 3 Pair: Cerritos picked up its lone set win as Teats/Colombo edged Jalissa Costa / Pearl Miller 21-14, 12-21, 15-3 in three sets.

  • No. 4 Pair: Sorelle Buley / Cassandra Zoellers responded with a strong three-set win, 21-14, 12-21, 15-3, over Higuera/Beltran.

  • No. 5 Pair: Emalee Alton / Annalee Smith closed the match with a 21-12, 21-15 victory against Torres/Castillo.

Match 2: Golden West 3, Ventura 2

The afternoon finale came down to the final pair as the Rustlers edged the Pirates in a tightly contested matchup.

  • No. 1 Pair: Matthews / Freck continued their strong day with a three-set win, 25-27, 21-16, 16-14, over Barnes/Daniels.

  • No. 2 Pair: Ventura evened the match as Lishman/Altur defeated Zaffino / Dorney.

  • No. 3 Pair: The Pirates took another point with a three-set win over Costa / Miller.

  • No. 4 Pair: Buley / Zoellers delivered a key straight-set victory, 21-14, 21-14, against Mierau/Ramessar.

  • No. 5 Pair: With the dual on the line, Alton / Smith clinched the match for the Rustlers, winning in three sets, 8-21, 21-12, 17-15, over Torres/Cahill.

 

The Rustlers return to the sand next week as they continue nonconference play against Cuesta College at 10am.