W Volleyball: Victorious in 5 Set Home Opener

Huntington Beach, Calif. - A sluggish start didn't stop the Golden West College volleyball team from coming back in a five set thrilling win against visiting Ventura College Friday night 19-25, 30-28, 25-13, 14-25, 15-12. 

The Rustlers (2-0) dropped the first set 25-19 in their sluggish start to the match. They were down early 12-5 but closed to the gap 16-12 while looking for that big run to turn the momentum. Golden West ran out of time in the first set as the Pirates (1-2) closed out the set for an early 1-0 lead but you could start to see the tide turning for the Rustlers. 

Set two saw both teams battling it out as it was a steady back and forth until the Rustlers were able to take the set 30-28 to tie the match at 1-1. Freshman outside hitter, Sierra Emil led the way for the Rustlers as she pounded out 18 kills en route to a .304 striking night. Another freshman stepped up Friday night in setter Shayna Johnson, who recorded 43 assists in her home debut. 

The Rustlers ran away with the third set 25-13 to take a 2-1 lead with the hopes of finishing the match in four sets. The Pirates however, weren't going down without a fight and took care of business in the fourth set 25-14 to even the match at 2-2 and force the deciding fifth set. 

Sophomore returner Jennifer Juarez helped secure the victory with six kills and a team high .333 striking percentage as the Rustlers closed the match out with a 15-12 fifth set win for the 3-2 match win. 

NEXT: Golden West will travel to San Diego City College on Wednesday, September 4th for a 5pm start.