With her family and friends cheering from the stands at the Ronca Tennis Center and Comerford Pavilion, Cal Poly senior Peyton Dunkle delivered a moment that thrust her into a league of her own.
The Arroyo Grande native etched her name into Mustang lore Saturday, breaking the program’s 17-year-old record for career wins with a 6-2, 6-2 victory on court No. 2 against UC Irvine on an emotional Senior Day.
Dunkle’s 52nd career win surpassed the previous mark of 51 set by Carol Erikson, who competed for Cal Poly from 2004-2007.
The historic victory improved Dunkle’s remarkable season record to 15-2, adding to a stellar collegiate career that now stands at 52-20 overall.
“I didn’t really build up this moment in my head, but once I was getting close, I was like ‘Woah,’ this is big”, Dunkle said. “I was playing for everyone who was out watching and supporting me.”
For Dunkle, the hometown hero who grew up just 15 miles from campus, the achievement marks the pinnacle of a journey that began under the guidance of her father, Bill Dunkle, who coached her throughout her formative years and was in attendance to witness the record-breaking moment.
Also watching from the stands was her sister, Delanie Dunkle, who holds an impressive legacy of her own, ranking fifth all-time in program history with 45 victories.
As the match-clinching point was scored, Dunkle looked immediately to her family in the stands, acknowledging their support throughout her tennis career.
“I’m short of words to describe how proud of her I am, as a remarkable player and a person,” Head Coach Ellie Edles Williams said. “This is an incredible feat to win that many matches, and it adds to her unbelievable career.”
With conference championships approaching, Dunkle isn’t done adding to her legacy. But for one perfect afternoon, the local standout etched her name into Cal Poly tennis history with the people who matter most witnessing the achievement.