Owls Rally Back but Fall Short in Five-Set Thriller at Golden West

Citrus College Volleyball came up just short on the road last Friday afternoon, dropping a hard-fought five-set match to Golden West (16-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-15, 8-15). 

With the loss, the Owls move to 3-3 on the season, while the Rustlers picked up their first win to even their record at 1-1. 

After falling behind two sets to none, Citrus stormed back with a gritty 25-23 win in the third set and a dominant 25-15 performance in the fourth to force a decisive fifth. The Owls' momentum was not enough, however, as Golden West secured the final set 15-8. 

Sophia Martinez powered the Owls' attack with 16 kills and a team-high 31 digs. Emma Cristales added 14 kills, while Aaliyah Janae Freeman chipped in nine. Setter Justine Gonzales directed the offense with 49 assists, while Martinez and Sammi Rivard each tallied two service aces. Rivard also contributed 16 digs, followed by Jennylyn Gozun with nine. 

At the net, Naomi Dominguez, Cristales, Emily Desmartes, and Freeman each recorded a block assist. 

Citrus returns to action at the 4th Annual Eagles Invitational, hosted by LA Mission College. The Owls will face San Diego Miramar on Friday, September 5 at 6:30 p.m., before a Saturday matchup with another tournament opponent that will be decided after Friday's game.