Throughout the season, Cal Poly Beach Volleyball has proved to be a considerable opponent and powerful team through remarkable displays of skill and determination.
The Mustangs have thrived on the sand courts over the past three tournaments, defeating highly ranked teams, including No. 7 Long Beach State, No. 12 Hawai’i and No. 6 Cal Berkley while sweeping the competition in the Big West Challenge this past weekend.
Just last year, Cal Poly struggled against these opponents, accruing more losses than wins, but the Mustangs have come back this season with a new sense of strength and resolution.
Cal Poly’s winning ways and achievements have not gone unseen as the 2024 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced the Mustangs had risen to No. 7 in the NCAA Collegiate Poll.
Accompanying this accomplishment, Cal Poly has been recognized by the Big West, standing at No. 1 in the conference.
Mustangs’ redshirt sophomore Ella Connor and sophomore Izzy Martinez also received Big West Pair of the Week after their impressive 5-0 takedown at the Big West Challenge last weekend on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24.
After the Mustangs took down Feather River College, in an exhibition 5-0, and No. 6 Cal Berkley, 4-1, on March 26, this duo has improved 19-4 overall this weekend and has now won 13 straight matches.
In the five weeks of their season, Cal Poly has now been noticed twice by the Big West for its dynamic duos. Graduate student Lindsey Sparks and freshman Quinn Perry were awarded the first Big West Player of the Week award on March 4.
Cal Poly has made leaps and bounds this season, surpassing their overall record from last year and keeping the sand hot under their feet with a 16-game winning streak.
The proof is in the pudding for the Mustangs this season. This team, made up of returners, freshmen and transfers, has worked hard together during preseason and current matches.
Their compatibility and trust in each other shine through the net and can be seen even with the darkest eyewear.
The Mustangs look forward to their next matchups after their victorious midweek matchups against Feather River College (Exhibition) (10-3) and No. 6 Cal (13-5).
Cal Poly will face the University of Saint Katherine (Exhibition) and No. 8 Long Beach State on Saturday, April 6, on the sand courts in Laguna Beach, CA.