Santa Clara University’s Cate Shanahan swung for the kill and finished the five-set match, giving the Broncos (4-7) the victory over Cal Poly Volleyball in Mott Athletics Center on Thursday night.
However, this was not a typical loss for the Mustangs (4-4). This defeat broke Cal Poly’s 19-game home winning streak, the second-longest in program history.
“It’s just been a really cool thing to have that [winning streak] hold true for a season and a half from last year and the year prior,” Head Coach Caroline Walters said. “It’s something I think that we can plan to have another at some point.”
Until this defeat, Cal Poly Volleyball had not lost a home game since Oct. 26, 2024 where they were taken down by UC San Diego.
Their home winning streak dated back to Nov. 8, 2024, when they swept Cal State Bakersfield. After that victory, the Mustangs went on to win their last three home games of the 2024 season.
They extended that winning streak into the 2025 season as they went undefeated at home with a 15-0 record. Throughout that season, the team not only credited their success to their skills, but they also recognized the community that rallied behind them.
“To see so many familiar faces of community members that have been supporting us for years is so cool, and I feel that number grows every year I’m here,” Walters said.
Cal Poly uses the term Mott Magic to describe its home-court advantage. From the band to the packed stands, the team says nothing beats the feeling of playing in their home gym.
While this defeat marks the end of their historic streak, the Mustangs are taking it as an opportunity to grow.
“I think the learning lesson here is just truly placing the value of each point at the level that it needs to be with discipline, focus and intent,” Walters said.
The Mustangs have another tough home match ahead as they continue the SLO Classic against No. 12 Arizona State University on Friday at 7 p.m. in Mott Athletics Center.