Rustlers Dominate Fullerton in OEC Home Opener

Huntington Beach, Calif. – The Golden West College men's water polo team delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Fullerton College 22-3 in Orange Empire Conference play at home. With the win, the Rustlers improve to 14-1 overall and 2-0 in OEC action, while the Hornets fall to 2-10 (0-2 OEC).

Golden West wasted no time seizing control, racing out to a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter behind two goals apiece from Gavin Little and Matt Wolf. The Rustlers piled on eight more goals in the second period to carry a dominant 15-0 advantage into halftime.

The attack was paced by Gavin Abbott, who scored a game-high eight goals while adding two assists, two steals, and a block. Wolf filled the stat sheet with three goals and a team-best six assists, while Cade Winston contributed three goals, four steals, and an assist. Szabolcs Kern (2 goals, 2 assists) and Gavin Little (3 goals) also played key roles in the rout.

Golden West's depth was on full display as 11 different players registered either a goal or assist. Daigo Fujita distributed six assists to go along with three steals, and goalkeeper contributions were shared across the roster as Gael Lemus, Tornike Bakarzde, and Jacob Shumard combined for eight saves.

The Rustlers maintained their defensive pressure throughout, holding Fullerton scoreless until the third quarter and limiting the Hornets to just three goals total.

Golden West returns to action next week as OEC play continues at home against Riverside City at 12pm.