Golden West Set to Open OEC Championships Against Fullerton

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The No. 8 ranked Golden West College women's water polo team enters the 2025 Orange Empire Conference Championships this week as the fifth seed and will square off with the fourth-seeded Fullerton College Hornets (ranked 7th) in the opening round on Friday at 9AM hosted by Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.

The Rustlers (16–9, 1–4 OEC) have put together another strong campaign under head coach Matt Flesher, combining offensive firepower with consistent goaltending to remain one of the top programs in the state. Golden West closed the regular season on a high note with wins over San Diego Miramar and San Joaquin Delta, giving the team momentum heading into postseason play.

Golden West's 2025 regular season featured a 16–9 overall record and a No. 8 statewide ranking in the most recent CCCWPCA poll. The Rustlers showcased offensive depth throughout the year, scoring 355 goals in 25 games—an average of 14.2 goals per game—while holding opponents to 9.4 goals per contest.

At home, Golden West went 3–3, while posting an impressive 11–4 record in neutral-site tournaments, highlighted by key victories over ranked opponents Cerritos (17–7) and West Valley (13–12).

Freshman Sienna Abernathy emerged as the offensive leader and one of the premier scorers in the Orange Empire Conference, tallying 80 goals in 23 games. Sophomore Hanna Menyhart followed closely with 60 goals, while freshman Mimi Versegi added 72 goals, giving Golden West a formidable scoring trio that combined for over 60% of the team's offense.

Freshmen Sam O'Donnell (37 goals) and Emily Cislo (17 goals) provided additional scoring punch, while Catherine Le and Destiny Skipper contributed valuable minutes in the Rustlers' rotation.

Defensively, freshman goalkeeper Camryn Adams anchored the team with 241 saves and a .534 save percentage, starting all 23 games and earning 15 wins in the cage. Adams' consistency and poise have been instrumental in close contests, including the 17–7 victory over Cerritos and a one-goal battle with Saddleback.