Mustangs Come up Short Sunday Against Coastal Carolina, No. 16 FIU

Sunday, February 26

Tallahassee, FL

5 A.M.

Coastal Carolina University

Photo by: Kyle Calzia / Cal Poly Athletics

Mustangs Come up Short Sunday Against Coastal Carolina, No. 16 FIU

2/26/2023 1:38:00 PM | Beach Volleyball

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After facing a pair of ranked opponents in its season opener Saturday, Cal Poly continued its tough schedule Sunday, falling to No. 16 FIU 4-1 and Coastal Carolina, who received votes in the AVCA Preseason Poll, 3-2.

In an early morning match to start the day against Coastal Carolina, Cal Poly once again sent out four pairs who are new this season, including four freshmen. After the Chanticleers took the first point of the duel with a win at the No. 4 spot, the No. 13 Mustangs' No. 2 pairing of freshman Izzy Martinez and junior Piper Naess earned Cal Poly's first point after a 21-19, 21-16 victory.

The Mustangs' No. 1 duo of senior Jayelin Lombard and sophomore Piper Ferch, the only returning pair from last season, gave Cal Poly a 2-1 dual lead after a 21-18, 21-15 win. However, Coastal Carolina then picked up a straight sets win at the No. 3 spot followed by a three set win at the No. 5 spot to seal the 3-2 dual victory.

A few hours later, Cal Poly was back on the sand in Tallahassee to take on No. 16 FIU. The Mustangs got off to a strong start with the No. 5 pair of senior Kalee Graff and freshman Margo Smith getting a 21-11, 21-15 win.

However, the No. 16 Panthers proceeded to collect wins at the four remaining pairs to win the match 4-1.

The Mustangs (0-4) will look to get their first win of the season next weekend when they travel down to Laguna Beach to take on a pair of Big West teams in No. 10 Hawai'i and No. 14 Long Beach State.