Rustlers Volleyball Earns No. 13 Seed; Set to Host Citrus in SoCal Regional Playoffs

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Golden West College women's volleyball has officially clinched the No. 13 seed in the 2025 SoCal Regional Playoffs and will host the 20th-seeded Citrus College Owls on Saturday, November 22 in the GWC Gym. The Rustlers enter the postseason following a dominant and balanced regular season, finishing 17-4 overall, 13-3 in Orange Empire Conference play, and an impressive 10-1 on their home court.

Golden West's success this season has been built on a powerful offensive trio, elite setting, and a defensive unit that ranks among the conference's best.

Leading the way is standout outside hitter Jalissa Costa, who has put together one of the strongest offensive seasons in the region. Costa enters postseason play with 255 kills (3.86 per set) while adding 151 digs and a team-high 40 aces. Her all-around impact has made her one of the most difficult matchups for opposing defenses.

Opposite her, Jenna Zaffino provides another major scoring threat with 225 kills (3.36 per set) while leading the team with 202 digs. Zaffino's consistency in both the front row and back row has been a major key to the Rustlers' 2025 campaign.

In the middle, Sorelle Buley, Lizbeth Espinoza, and Lesly Perez have provided key contributions, combining for 139 kills, 38 blocks, and efficient hitting percentages that have helped stabilize the Rustler attack.

The Rustlers' offensive rhythm is anchored by one of the conference's premier setting tandems:

• Cassandra Zoellers — 333 assists (4.97 per set), 25 aces, and one of the steadiest hands in the OEC.

• Meghan Freck — 301 assists (4.49 per set) and 24 aces, adding strong defensive support with 138 digs.

Together, the pair has fueled a Rustler offense averaging 11.13 kills per set while orchestrating one of the most efficient units in the SoCal playoff field.

Defensively, the Rustlers have been outstanding, totaling 1,075 digs, outpacing their opponents and allowing opponents to hit just .112 on the season.

Libero Elyse Varipapa anchors the back row with a team-best 151 digs (3.43 per set), supported by Costa, Zaffino, Padilla, Freck, and Smith—each contributing more than 70 digs.

At the net, Golden West has recorded 120 total blocks, with contributions from across the roster, led by Espinoza (24), Miller (21), and Buley's steady presence.

The winner will advance to the second round of the 3C2A SoCal Regional Playoffs on Tuesday, November 25 at No.4 seeded Santa Barbara at 6pm. 

Full Bracket Here