Rustlers’ Postseason Run Ends at Santa Monica in SoCal Regional Finals

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Golden West College Rustlers women's volleyball team saw its postseason run come to an end Saturday night, falling to #5 seed Santa Monica College in straight sets, 25-12, 25-21, 26-24, in the SoCal Regional Finals at Corsair Pavilion.

Golden West finishes the season with an 19-5 overall record, capping a memorable campaign that included a 13th-seed playoff berth and two postseason wins to reach the regional final.

Santa Monica set the tone early, jumping out to a quick lead in the opening set and taking it 25-12. The Rustlers responded with improved offensive rhythm and defensive intensity in set two, cutting into the Corsairs' momentum before Santa Monica closed the frame 25-21.

The third set proved to be the most competitive of the night. Golden West battled point-for-point and held multiple late opportunities, but Santa Monica edged out the Rustlers in extra points, 26-24, to clinch the match.

Despite the loss, Golden West showed resilience throughout the match as Jenna Zaffino led the Rustlers with 11 kills, adding an ace and five digs. Meghan Freck posted six kills, five assists, and 11 digs in an all-around effort. Jalissa Costa contributed six kills and a match-high 21 digs, anchoring the back row.

Cassandra Zoellers dished out 14 assists and recorded eight digs, while Fabiana Padilla added 11 digs defensively.

Golden West totaled 61 digs as a team and fought through long rallies against a balanced Santa Monica attack.

The 19 wins is the most the Rustlers have had in a season since the 2014 campaign.