Golden West Wins Women’s Volleyball Title

When the 1993 women’s volleyball season started, Golden West Coach Albert Gasparian said this was one of his most talented teams. Considering he already had coached Golden West to four State titles, it was pretty lofty talk.

But the Rustlers lived up to their early-season praise, sweeping Cerritos in three games to win the State title Sunday at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. Golden West won, 18-16, 15-12, 15-2, in the championship match.

Golden West defeated Cerritos, 15-6, 15-2, 18-16, earlier Sunday in the winners’ bracket final.

Golden West finished the season 27-0, including four victories over Cerritos, the defending State champion. Cerritos had beaten Golden West last year in the winners’ bracket final and went on to take the title.

“I was more nervous this time than ever before,” Gasparian said. “I have no idea why. We played very well in the morning, then were a little flat and nervous in the final.”

Jessica Lee, a sophomore setter from Capistrano Valley High, was the tournament’s most valuable player. She had 85 assists in the two matches, including 45 in the championship.

Becca Flotz, a freshman outside hitter from Foothill, had 16 kills in the final. Becki Gehlke, a sophomore outside hitter from Mater Dei, added 12 kills and Jaimie Torromeo, a sophomore outside hitter from Lakewood St. Joseph, added 10 kills in the championship match.

Foltz had 15 kills and Heidi Emmrich 12 in the first match Sunday.

Foltz and Torromeo also were selected to the all-tournament team.

Gasparian has a record of 236-30 in 12 seasons. His teams previously won State titles in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 1991.

“We just got it rolling in the third game (15-2),” Gasparian said. “This is a sweet one after last year.”

It was the second State title for Golden West this fall. The Rustlers’ water polo team won its fifth consecutive State title last month.