Rustlers Run-Rule LA Valley in 5-Inning Home Victory

Huntington Beach, Calif. — The Golden West College Rustlers softball team continued its strong start to the 2026 season on Thursday afternoon, earning a 13–3 mercy-rule victory in five innings over LA Valley College at home.

Golden West jumped out early and never looked back, scoring in four of the five innings while capitalizing on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning to improve to 3–1 on the season.

The Rustlers plated three runs in the opening inning, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Mya Santiago and taking advantage of defensive miscues to establish an early cushion. Golden West then broke the game open in the second inning, erupting for five runs to extend the lead to 8–1.

During the second-frame surge, Audrey Reyes sparked the offense with an RBI triple to center field, while Isabella Gallegos added an RBI double. Angelique Perez contributed an RBI single, and Santiago scored on a stolen base and errant throw to cap the big inning.

Golden West continued to add on, scoring two runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to enforce the run rule. Freshman Jaxton Marshall delivered the knockout blow in the bottom of the fifth, blasting a three-run triple to center field to seal the 13–3 victory.

Marshall finished the day 2-for-2 with a triple and four RBIs, while Santiago had a huge all-around performance, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base. Reyes also went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI, adding two triples on the day.

In the circle, Erica Rivera earned the win, improving to 2–0, allowing just one run on one hit over three innings while striking out four. Santiago closed out the game in relief, tossing two innings and allowing two unearned runs.

Golden West totaled 10 hits, drew five walks, and stole four bases, showcasing depth throughout the lineup as multiple players contributed offensively.

The Rustlers will look to carry their momentum forward as they continue nonconference play tomorrow at El Camino College with first pitch scheduled for 1:30pm.