On Saturday night, Cal Poly Women’s Soccer (8-7-5, 4-4-3 BW) suffered a 3-0 loss to No. 1 seed Utah Valley in the semifinals of the Big West tournament, ending its season.
The No. 5-seeded Mustangs entered the semifinal following a 1-0 double-overtime victory over California Baptist on Wednesday, while Utah Valley earned a first-round bye after finishing the regular season atop the Big West standings. Cal Poly was looking to return to the conference championship game after winning the tournament in 2025.
Utah Valley opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a goal from Sadie Beardall, who had the second most goals in the Big West.
The Wolverines added another goal in the 27th, taking a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Utah Valley continued to add pressure in the second half, adding another goal in the 82nd minute to extend the lead to 3-0.
They outpaced the Mustangs offensively, recording 23 shots compared to the Mustangs’ five.
Cal Poly’s leading shot-taker was captain Miah Thomas, who recorded two attempts. Forward Isis Salazar-Ortega had one attempt, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Salazar-Ortega entered the semifinal following two consecutive games in which her performance helped advance the Mustangs. Her hat trick in the regular-season finale secured Cal Poly’s spot in the Big West tournament, while her golden goal in double-overtime on Wednesday sent the Mustangs to the semifinal.
In goal, goalkeeper Shannon Porubski allowed three goals while recording four saves.
The semifinal loss ended Cal Poly’s postseason run, ending its bid to defend its 2025 Big West tournament title. Despite falling short of another championship appearance, the Mustangs reached the Big West postseason for the fifth time in six seasons.