Fullerton College Women Seeded No. 1

Fullerton and Golden West colleges have reached the Southern California regional community college women’s basketball playoffs, it was announced Sunday.

Fullerton, the top-ranked team in the state all season, is also the top-seeded team in the 16-team playoff field. Golden West is seeded fourth.

Fullerton (24-1 overall) plays host to Antelope Valley Wednesday in the first round.

The Hornets won the Orange Empire Conference this season. It was the 15th conference title in 20 seasons for Fullerton Coach Colleen Riley.

If Fullerton defeats Antelope Valley, the Hornets play the winner of the Long Beach/Citrus game for a berth in the state tournament.

Golden West was 12-17 overall, including 11 forfeits for use of an ineligible player.

The Rustlers play host to El Camino Wednesday in the first round. If Golden West wins, it plays the winner of Cerritos/San Bernardino Valley in the second round for a berth in the state tournament.

Fullerton and Golden West reached the state tournament last season at American River College in Sacramento. Fullerton lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Santa Rosa. Golden West was defeated by Long Beach in the semifinal.

The second round of the playoffs is Feb. 24 or 25 with the four winners advancing to the state tournament, which is March 2-4 at Valley College.