CSUN
Mustangs Host CSUN and Cal State Bakersfield to Open Big West Competition
9/25/2025 12:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The Cal Poly Mustangs are riding a six-match win streak this season and a dominant 10-match home win streak dating back to 2024. They will put these streaks on the line as they host CSUN and Cal State Bakersfield this weekend.
The team's current dominance in Mott Athletics Center marks their longest home winning stretch since an impressive 32-match unbeaten run from 2016-19, a period that included three consecutive seasons (2017-19) with perfect home records.
Bolstering their conference-leading 9-3 overall record, the Mustangs have proven their mettle against top-tier competition. They pushed No. 11 Minnesota and (RV) Oklahoma to four sets in early-season tournaments before stunning Arkansas with a commanding sweep. The Mustangs later secured their second Power Four victory of the year, also a sweep, over California.
Most notably, Cal Poly recently delivered a statement sweep of No. 20 Utah, catapulting the program back onto the national radar. These high-caliber performances earned the Mustangs a spot in the "receiving votes" section of the AVCA poll for the first time since their 2019 NCAA at-large bid, a feat reminiscent of their 2018 Big West championship season, which ended with a No. 22 national ranking.
Emma Fredrick, the Big West Offensive Player of the Week for Sept. 15, has been a powerhouse. During the SLO Classic, the junior outside hitter extended her double-digit kills streak to seven matches, racking up 37 total kills while contributing 21 digs and four blocks. She now ranks 9th in the conference for kills per set, helping propel the Mustangs to 19th nationally in hitting percentage (.290).
Elif Hurriyet, the former All-Freshman Team honoree, made an immediate impact in her first home start, anchoring the backcourt with a team-high 34 digs. Her relentless defense was instrumental in holding both Utah and Cal Baptist to a sub-.100 hitting percentage.
Charlotte Kelly, stepping in for All-Big West honoree Breklyn Pulling, has emerged as a defensive stalwart despite being a true freshman. Kelly led the team with 13 total blocks over the weekend and recorded a career-high six block assists in a reverse-sweep victory over Saint Mary's.
The Mustangs carry five-match win streaks against both CSUN and Cal State Bakersfield, having swept both series last season. They also lead the all-time series against the Matadors (43-26) and Roadrunners (12-2).
CSUN (7-4) started 2025 with four straight wins and is riding a wave of momentum after recent victories over San Francisco and San Jose State. The Matadors also rank third in the conference in kills and assists, led defensively by junior libero Paige Sentes, who tops the Big West with 4.85 digs per set.
After a challenging non-conference slate, the Roadrunners (3-9) are looking to right the ship. Despite team struggles, sophomore transfer Nicole Zake has shined, ranking third in the Big West with 3.76 kills per set and recording double-digit kills in every match this season.
The homestand at Mott Athletics Center continues on Friday at 6:00 p.m. against CSUN for Mustangs Fight Childhood Cancer Night. Fans are encouraged to wear gold to show support. The weekend concludes on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. against Cal State Bakersfield.
