Rustlers Advance to State Title Match

Golden West started its men’s volleyball state tournament semifinal showdown against Grossmont Friday in a hurry.

Four-time defending state champion Golden West won the first two games quickly, faltered early in the third but dominated in the fourth to win the match, 15-8, 15-3, 11-15, 15-6.

Golden West advances to the title match at 7:30 tonight against Los Angeles Pierce, which needed five games to beat Santa Barbara. Pierce won the last game, 23-21.

Golden West’s strong play in the fourth game began toward the end of the third as the Rustlers withstood six game points before falling.

Sophomore outside hitter Chad Mowrey had five kills to help Golden West (16-1) take a 10-2 lead in the fourth game.

Grossmont rallied for two consecutive points and then the teams traded points. But then the pace slowed greatly when the scorer’s table lost track of the rotation of each team. Grossmont was awarded a point when Golden West appeared out of order and after much discussion and about five minutes of delays, play resumed.

“I was worried big time,” said Golden West Coach Mike D’Alessandro, “that [Grossmont] would be able to regroup and get back into the match.”

But Golden West’s Nick Schneider served three consecutive points to put the Rustlers up 14-6. Grossmont got a side out but Golden West got it back on a strong block by Evan Hook and Jon Thompson who earlier in the game kept a point alive by kicking a ball.

Mowrey finished the match with his 14th kill. Scott Ogilive also had 14 kills and 10 blocks and Evan Hook had 13 kills for the Rustlers who are not fearing a letdown in the title match against Pierce. Golden West beat Pierce in three games earlier in the season.

“Letdown,” Mowrey said, “I would say only if all six of our starters show up with broken legs.”