Rustlers Defeat Cypress 14-11 to Open OEC Play

Cypress, Calif. – The Golden West College men's water polo team opened Orange Empire Conference play with a 14-11 road victory over Cypress College on Wednesday afternoon. With the win, the Rustlers improve to 10-1 overall and 1-0 in conference, while Cypress drops to 6-5 (0-1 OEC).

Golden West set the tone early, building a 4-2 lead after the first quarter behind goals from Michael Rodgers, Gavin Templeton, and Wyatt Mitchell. The Rustlers extended their advantage in the second frame, outscoring Cypress 6-1 to carry a commanding 10-3 lead into halftime. Rodgers, Templeton, and Lucca Van Der Woude each scored twice in the half to fuel the offensive surge.

Cypress responded with a strong push in the second half, cutting into the lead with four goals in both the third and fourth quarters. However, Golden West answered timely, as Templeton and Van Der Woude each tallied key third-period goals, while Mano Molnar and Samuel Winchester added insurance scores in the final frame to secure the victory.

The Rustlers showcased a balanced attack with six multi-goal scorers: Rodgers (2), Templeton (2), Mitchell (2), Winchester (2), Van Der Woude (2), and Molnar (1). Joao Goncalves directed the offense with five assists while also adding a goal of his own. In the cage, goalkeeper Boston Frost collected eight saves, with Gael Lemus adding another in the fourth quarter.

Golden West returns to action this weekend as they travel to Cuesta College for a 2-day tournament.