Rustlers Win an Intense Match against Vikings

Golden West men's volleyball (3-1, 0-0 OEC) responded with a big against Long Beach City (0-4, 0-0 WSC), (22-25,25-18, 28-26, 25-16).  

After their first loss of the season, Golden West looked to bounce back Thursday night against Long Beach City. Early mistakes by the Rustlers allowed the Vikings to gain early control. However, tied at seven points the home team was able to get their first lead of the night. In the back and forth inaugural set, Long Beach City would retake the lead, 15-17. The tense first set came down to the wire as the Rustlers rallied back but their efforts came up short, 22-25. 

The Vikings jumped out ahead quickly in the second set but the home team kept up, 5-5. Golden West would go on a run as they won long rallies, crushed the ball for kills and saved the point from diving digs. The momentum was shifted to the Rustlers side in the second set with strong strikes from Curtis Harper and Jason Tompson. Golden West answered with a second set win in convincing fashion, 25-18. 

The Rustlers would ride their excited energy into the third set to take a large advance, 16-8. The Vikings would not go down without a fight as they came within one point, 21-20. The third set came down to match point as the set was knotted up at 25. In an exciting finish, the two teams went point for point, dive for dive and strike for strike With a 27-26 edge, Golden West cemented their victory in the third set with the two point advantage. The home team did not let up as they went on to win the fourth and final set with ease, 25-16. 

Harper led the Rustlers in kills with 15 off of 34 attempts and also collected seven digs. Jay Pearson had the most service aces with three and dug two balls. Jaden Kodongan was first in assists 26 and Pearson was second with 21 assists. Golden West responded after their first loss of the season in a big way with a four set victory over the Vikings, 3-1. 

NEXT UP: Golden West will be on the road for their next matchup against El Camino on Friday, February 9th. The match will begin at 6pm.