After opening the season with back-to-back blowout wins, the Cal Poly women’s basketball team faced its first major test of the year, and its first taste of adversity on Sunday night.
The Mustangs fell 90–55 to No. 15 Stanford, marking both their first loss of the season and another chapter in the program’s winless history against the powerhouse Cardinal.
Cal Poly entered the matchup 2–0, coming off commanding victories over Simpson University and UC Santa Cruz that showcased the team’s offensive confidence and chemistry. Against Stanford, that same energy was present early, but the Mustangs were forced to confront the speed, size, and precision of one of the nation’s elite teams.
Sophomore guard Vanessa McManus emerged as Cal Poly’s driving force, putting up an impressive 29 points and hitting three shots from beyond the arc. Her composure and consistency have defined the Mustangs’ early success, and even in defeat, she stood out as a tone-setter both calm under pressure and unafraid to attack Stanford’s defense head-on.
Beyond McManus, the Mustangs saw success from freshman Charish Thompson, who scored 10 points, and sophomore Alana Goosby, who added six points and six rebounds.
Cal Poly hit 10-of-10 free throws and shot efficiently in the second half, but Stanford’s depth proved decisive. The Cardinal’s rotation featured five double-digit scorers, and their defensive pressure forced 21 Mustang turnovers.
Still, the game offered an important glimpse into what this Cal Poly team can be, resilient, competitive, and balanced. Head coach Shanele Stires has emphasized toughness and tempo this season, and that was evident even in stretches where the Mustangs trailed. The team continued to push the pace, attack the paint, and maintain focus on defensive execution against a ranked opponent known for exploiting mistakes.
Cal Poly’s first two wins showcased offensive freedom; this loss, in contrast, revealed where that foundation needs reinforcement. Stanford’s physicality exposed areas for growth in rebounding and ball movement, but it also highlighted Cal Poly’s potential to compete beyond the Big West.
As the season unfolds, seasoned players will continue to anchor Cal Poly’s identity, while younger contributors find their rhythm in Stires’s system. The Mustangs’ early confidence hasn’t been shaken, just tested.
Cal Poly travels to Seattle next week to continue nonconference play, aiming to build on the promise shown through its opening stretch.