Cal Poly Women’s Basketball pulled off a 57-55 win over Seattle University with championship-level defense, a five-charge performance from senior guard Madison Butcher and a fourth quarter closed out by its starters.
The Mustangs were coming off a road loss at Idaho State on Monday and a difficult travel day Tuesday, leaving them one day to prepare for a Seattle team that had just lost to UC Santa Barbara.
“I’m so proud of our team,” Head Coach Shanele Stires said. “You saw in the first half just how locked in our kids were, how well we handled their pressure.”
Rebounding was the emphasis against a Seattle team that crashes the glass often. Senior guard Sumer Lee said the focus was clear heading in. “A big emphasis was rebounding, and I think we took care of that tonight. We played with heart,” she said. “We have to play with heart, and we have to play together.”
Butcher stood out at both ends, taking five charges and scoring a career-high 16 points.
“The pride that she takes in being a high performer at both ends of the floor,” Stires said. “It just speaks to her commitment to our team, her commitment to our program and her willingness to put her body on the line for her teammates.”
Butcher said the energy started in the locker room.
“It was hype. We were dancing in the locker room,” she said.
Teammates sidelined with injuries helped fuel it. “They came out, and they brought the energy. Just their ability to pour into us was huge tonight.”
For Butcher, the takeaway was chemistry. “When the game’s on the line, we can get a stop, and we can score the basketball,” she said. “We’ve proven that we are a connected team.”
Lee said the coaching staff has also stressed being physical and “throwing the first punch.” “I think we just need to keep rising to that,” she said.
Cal Poly will prepare to face No. 10 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion on Thursday, Nov. 19.