Mustang Report
Best in the Big West
From volleyball to baseball to cross country, catch the highlights from record-breaking competition across the Big West Conference.
By Connor Leary // Photos courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics
Sprinter Jordan Jackson (right) passes the baton to Ava Simos (left) for the last leg of a record-setting 4×100-meter relay at the Conover Classic. Image courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics.
The Mustangs had a banner year in the Big West Conference: winning titles, smashing records and playing in the NCAA Tournament. The collective effort earned Cal Poly the Commissioner’s Cup — an award that honors the athletic program with the most well-rounded success — for the second time in program history.
From the volleyball court to the baseball diamond, walk through the wins that clinched the cup.
Baseball
WINS BIG WEST AND REACHES SUPER REGIONAL
Cal Poly Baseball earned a second Big West regular season crown, second consecutive Big West Championship tournament title and fifth NCAA Division I regional appearance. The team won the regional in Los Angeles and traveled to West Virginia for the Super Regional, ending the season just two wins away from the College World Series. Infielder Alejandro Garza became the program’s all-time hits leader, catcher Ryan Tayman set the program’s single-season home run record, and reliever Nick Bonn led the nation for saves.
Volleyball
WINS BIG WEST AND NCAA REGIONAL IN SWEET SIXTEEN RUN
Cal Poly Volleyball became the Cinderella story of this year’s NCAA Tournament. The Mustangs won the program’s seventh conference title in the Division I era and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2007. The team also extended its home win streak to 19 straight games — the longest in the nation. Individually, Chloe Leluge became the program’s all-time career hitting percentage leader.
Beach Volleyball
REACHES THE ELITE EIGHT
The beach volleyball team won its fourth Big West championship on its home court and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. In postseason play, Cal Poly beat Grand Canyon University to advance to the Elite Eight round, where they finished with a 31-9 record and a No. 6 national ranking. Four players were named AVCA All-Americans, including Ella Connor, Izzy Martinez, and Logan Walter, who all broke program win records.
Women's Soccer
PUNCHES TICKET TO NCAA TOURNAMENT
The team defeated UC Santa Barbara 1-0 to capture its fourth conference title and go to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. The Mustangs, who went unbeaten at home, were led by six All-Big West honorees, including Championship MVP Jessie Halladay, Offensive Player of the Year Annika Smith and Defensive Player of the Year Brennan Cole.
Cross Country, Track & Field
ANCHORED BY SEVEN ALL-AMERICANS
The team defeated UC Santa Barbara 1-0 to capture its fourth conference title and go to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. The Mustangs, who went unbeaten at home, were led by six All-Big West honorees, including Championship MVP Jessie Halladay, Offensive Player of the Year Annika Smith and Defensive Player of the Year Brennan Cole.
Women's Tennis
OZERETS BREAKS CAREER WINS RECORD
Senior Alexandra Ozerets shattered the Cal Poly women’s tennis singles record with 58 career victories. The All-Big West honoree also earned the clinching point for the Mustangs in their Big West semifinal victory over CSU Northridge, as the team advanced to their sixth straight conference championship match and a national ranking.
Women's Golf
TAKES CONFERENCE TITLE
The Mustang women’s golf team won its fifth Big West Championship after recording the best score at the tournament in 11 years. The Mustangs qualified for the NCAA Tournament, notching the best NCAA Regional finish in program history. Head coach Courtney Roberts was named Big West Co-Coach of the Year and two Mustangs were named All-Big West.
Men's Tennis
EARNS BIG WEST REGULAR SEASON TITLE WITH BLUE-GREEN WIN
After a 4-3 comeback victory over No. 35-ranked UC Santa Barbara, the Mustangs became Big West regular season co-champions, the program’s 17th overall conference title. The Mustangs broke the Gauchos’ 22-match win streak of Big West regular season matches to clinch the title and claim their first Blue- Green victory since 2021.
Men's Soccer
CLAIMS SHARE OF BIG WEST REGULAR SEASON TITLE
In claiming a second straight Big West regular season title, Cal Poly matched a program record with 10 shutouts while limiting opponents to just 15 goals in 20 matches. Two-time Big West Goalkeeper of the Year Nicky McCune was one of Cal Poly’s program record eight all-conference selections.
Men's Basketball
MOUSA LEADS CAL POLY TO BIG WIN AT UTAH
All-Big West first team honoree Hamad Mousa enjoyed a breakout first year, leading the conference by scoring more than 600 points. His 20.4 points per game ranked 25th in the nation. The team continued its ascendance with victories over Utah, Big West champ Hawai’i and UC Santa Barbara on its way to the program’s highest number of conference victories in more than a decade.
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