FOUR RUSTLERS EARN ALL-ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE HONORS; ORTENZO NAMED ALL-REGION

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Following a historic season that culminated in a runner-up finish at the 3C2A State Championship, the Golden West College women's soccer program was well represented on the 2025 All-Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Teams. 

Giana Ortenzo and Kiersten Mahan earned First Team All-OEC honors, while Kaylee Gomez and Sierra Carter were selected to the Second Team. In addition, Giana Ortenzo was recognized as an All-Region selection, further highlighting the Rustlers' standout campaign.

First Team Selections

Giana Ortenzo | Midfielder
Ortenzo anchored the Rustlers' midfield all season, starting all 26 matches and playing a pivotal role in Golden West's defensive structure and transition play. Her leadership and consistency helped the Rustlers post 20 shutouts as a team and allow just 17 goals over 27 matches. Ortenzo's performance on the conference stage and throughout the postseason earned her All-OEC First Team honors and a spot on the All-Region Team, marking one of the top individual accolades in program history.

Kiersten Mahan | Defender
A model of reliability on the back line, Mahan started all 26 matches and helped guide a defense that ranked among the best in the state. Golden West finished the year with a 0.63 team goals-against average, while limiting opponents to an .082 shooting percentage. Mahan's defensive presence was instrumental during the Rustlers' postseason run, which included wins over two No. 1 seeds en route to the state final.

Second Team Selections

Kaylee Gomez | Midfielder/Forward
Gomez led Golden West offensively, finishing the season with 10 goals and three assists for 23 points, ranking among the OEC leaders. She recorded four game-winning goals, converted the team's lone penalty kick opportunity, and was a constant threat in the attack with 36 shots. Gomez's clutch performances throughout the year earned her Second Team All-OEC recognition.

Sierra Carter | Goalkeeper
Carter delivered one of the most impressive goalkeeping seasons in Golden West history. She posted a 9-2-4 record, a 0.51 goals-against average, and 12 shutouts, while recording 100 saves and a .917 save percentage. Her steady play in goal was a cornerstone of the Rustlers' defensive success and deep postseason run.

Golden West finished the 2025 season with a 15-5-7 overall record and a 5-4-5 mark in conference play, while excelling on the road with a 10-3-3 away record. The Rustlers advanced to the 3C2A State Championship match for the first time in program history, defeating top-seeded Saddleback College and two-time defending state champion Folsom Lake College during an unforgettable postseason run.