Cal Poly Women’s Tennis Clinches Sixth Straight Win: Mustangs Rally Past No. 70 Hawai’i 5-2
HONOLULU, O’ahu – The Cal Poly women’s tennis team is on a remarkable roll, securing their sixth consecutive victory with a stunning 5-2 triumph over No. 70 Hawai’i at the UH Tennis Complex on Wednesday. Not only did this win enhance their Big West record to 4-1, but it also propelled the Mustangs to an impressive overall 15-3 season record, marking their highest win total since 2022.
A Dominating Start: The Doubles Duel
For the fifth match in a row, Cal Poly decisively took the doubles point. Led by the dynamic duo of sophomore Natalie Lynch and freshman Jessica MacCallum, the Mustangs secured a solid 6-3 victory at the No. 3 position. This win marked their fourth consecutive victory together, improving their partnership record to 5-1.
The momentum continued as senior Romane Mosse and junior Kennedy Buntrock clinched the doubles point with a 6-4 victory at No. 2. Their triumph signaled a sixth straight win and an impressive 11-3 pairing record.
Singles Showdown: Cal Poly Strikes Back
After Hawai’i leveled the match with a win at the No. 1 position, the spotlight shifted to Lynch, who quickly restored the lead for Cal Poly with a commanding 6-2, 7-5 win at No. 6. This victory improved her season record to 12-4, with an impressive 9-3 record in the sixth singles slot.
The singles matches showcased fierce competition, with three of the remaining matches stretching to decisive third sets. Junior Alexandra Ozerets emerged victorious in a grueling three-set duel at No. 4, pushing her record to 13-4 and solidifying her 4-1 performance in Big West play.
Clinching the Dual: Dunkle’s Historic Victory
The spotlight then turned to senior Peyton Dunkle, who clinched the dual for Cal Poly in an epic fashion. After dropping the first set, Dunkle fought back to claim victory with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, marking her sixth consecutive win. This victory tied her with Sheila Lewis (2003-06) for the second-most dual singles victories in Cal Poly history at 49, just two shy of the all-time record held by Carol Erickson.
Following Dunkle’s clincher, MacCallum added to the Mustangs’ tally with a gritty 6-1, 6-7 (0-7), 6-4 victory at No. 5. This marked her fifth consecutive win and pushed her season record to a commendable 14-3, placing her among the top singles performers in program history.
Close Calls and Tough Losses
Despite the overall success, Mosse faced a formidable opponent at No. 3, falling in a hard-fought three-set match with a score of 5-7, 7-6 (4-7), 2-6. Her resilience, however, epitomized the fighting spirit of the Mustangs.
What’s Next for Cal Poly?
The Mustangs are set to return home on April 4th, at 1 p.m. to host UC San Diego. They’ll be on the hunt for their 14th victory in their last 15 matches, showcasing the determination and excellence that has marked this season.
With their sights set on further accomplishments, the Mustangs are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with this year—showcasing not just talent but also tenacity on the court. Fans and followers alike are encouraged to stay tuned, as Cal Poly looks to continue its impressive journey!
