Rustlers swept by defending state champs
By Travis Gilmore
Western Sun Staff Writer
The Golden West Men’s Volleyball Team suffered a tough loss to the Long Beach City College Vikings three games to none last Friday night by a score of 30-24, 30-26, and 30-25.
LBCC are the reigning state champions, so the Rustlers knew they had their work cut out for them before the match started. Not only are the Vikings 2009 state champions, they also had eliminated Golden West from the tournament a year ago.
Facing a formidable opponent, the Rustlers held their ground throughout the match but the Vikings attack and their player’s length seemed to overpower GWC.
During the first two games GWC continually played from behind. It was outside hitter Ryan Bagwell who played a key defensive role in the match with double digit digs. Along with other teammates, Ryan made some spectacular dives, giving Golden West a fighting chance during the first two games.
At the start of the third game the Rustlers came on strong and led by a score of 13-8 at one point during the set. But LBCC showed why they are the defending champs and disrupted the Rustlers rhythm with key blocks and devastating kills.
Golden West Men’s Volleyball continues this week on the road with a match against El Camino College on Friday Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. Afterward the Rustlers will return to campus for a long home-stand of five games, beginning with Moorpark Wednesday Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
