Rustlers Capture 36th Consecutive Orange Empire Conference Championship

COSTA MESA, Calif. – The top-ranked Golden West College men's water polo team captured the 2025 Orange Empire Conference Championship on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 15-13 victory over host and No. 2 seed Orange Coast College. The win secured the Rustlers' 31st victory of the season and an undefeated 7-0 record in conference play, as they now advance to the SoCal Regional Championships beginning Friday, November 14.

Golden West (31-2, 7-0 OEC) came out strong, setting the tone early with four first-quarter goals to edge ahead 4-3. The Rustlers extended their lead in the second frame behind standout play from Lucca Van Der Woude, Ryder Tonkovich, and Michael Rodgers, who combined for 10 of the team's 15 goals on the day. By halftime, the Rustlers led 9-6 and continued their offensive rhythm in the third quarter, stretching the advantage to 13-8 heading into the final period.

Orange Coast (23-9, 5-2) mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to two goals in the fourth quarter, but the Rustlers' defense and timely scoring proved too much. Joao Goncalves sealed the game with his third goal of the match at the 2:59 mark, ensuring Golden West's hold on the conference crown.

Van Der Woude paced the attack with a team-high four goals, followed by Rodgers, Tonkovich, and Goncalves each adding three apiece. Jack Wright and Wyatt Mitchell chipped in with one goal each, while goalkeeper Boston Frost anchored the defense with four saves to secure the win.

With the victory, Golden West continues its pursuit of their ninth consecutive 3C2A state title, advancing to the 2025 SoCal Regional Championships next weekend.

Photo by Adrian Salgado