Cal Poly softball (9-38, 4-23 Big West) officially wrapped up its 2025 season after being swept by Long Beach State (27-20, 17-10 Big West) on Friday and Saturday.
It was a challenging year for the Mustangs, who managed just four conference wins this season.
Coming off a promising 2024 campaign that saw them finish third place in the Big West, Head Coach Jenny Condon faced a difficult rebuilding season due to roster shifts and a young class making its way to Division I softball.
Some of the challenges this season stemmed from the team’s youth, a problem Condon acknowledged.
“They’re competing against players who are four or five years older than them, and it’s a bit of a challenge sometimes,” Condon said.
While the season didn’t match last year’s success, it served as a key developmental year for the Mustangs’ young core. With valuable experience now under their belts, the program will look to build on that foundation heading into next season.
Extra-inning battle slips always as Long Beach rallies late
In Friday’s opener, the Mustangs held Long Beach State scoreless through regulation, forcing the game into extra innings.
The deadlock finally broke in the 10th inning when freshman Sienna Erskine delivered a clutch RBI single.
With junior Kiara Blanchard already on base, Erskine came through, advancing all the way to third on an error as Blanchard crossed the plate to put the Mustangs ahead.
In the bottom of the 10th, all the Mustangs needed was a clean defensive frame to shut down Long Beach State and secure the extra-innings win.
The Beach, however, capitalized on a leadoff single and a costly error by the Mustangs to open the inning.
After back-to-back bunts advanced their runners and loaded the bases, they sealed the win with a walk-off infield single that brought in two unearned runs, taking full advantage of Cal Poly’s defensive miscue to complete the 2-1 comeback.
Early explosion sinks Mustangs in Game Two blowout
In game two, Long Beach State came out firing, erupting for nine runs in the bottom of the first inning to seize early momentum. It was a stark contrast to game one, where both teams were locked in a tense, scoreless duel.
The biggest factor in Long Beach State’s nine-run first inning was Cal Poly’s inability to contain baserunners early. The Mustangs issued multiple walks and hit two batters, quickly loading the bases.
Long Beach capitalized with a string of RBI singles and a crucial bases-clearing triple while benefiting from a throwing error that allowed an extra run to score. The game lasted a total of five innings, and Cal Poly fell 11-0.
Mustangs end season focused on growth and development
After the tough loss in game two, the Mustangs bounced back with a more substantial defensive showing on Saturday, holding Long Beach State to just one run.
Despite the improved effort, Cal Poly’s offense couldn’t generate enough support, and the Mustangs fell short 1-0 in the series finale.
The loss capped off a challenging season for Cal Poly, which struggled to find consistency throughout the season.
Difficulties in the circle, combined with a young and developing lineup, made it difficult for the Mustangs to build sustained momentum in conference play. Despite flashes of potential, the team often found itself battling uphill, underscoring the growing pains of a rebuilding year.
Despite the hurdles, the Mustangs gained critical experience that should serve them well moving forward. With most of the roster in line to return next season, Cal Poly will look to build on the foundation laid during this developmental year.