
Photo by: Chris Mitchell - Sport Shot Photo
Cal Poly Stumbles Against Tulsa in Straight Sets
9/4/2025 7:45:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Cal Poly volleyball team was unable to find a consistent rhythm against a potent Tulsa offense, falling in straight sets (15-25, 20-25, 21-25) on Thursday night in a neutral-site contest at Barnhill Arena.
The Golden Hurricane (2-2) controlled the match from the service line and behind a balanced attack, handing the Mustangs (2-2) their second loss of the season.
The opening set established the tone, as Tulsa raced out to an early lead and never looked back. Cal Poly struggled to side out, recording a .148 hitting percentage with eight kills against four errors in a 25-15 first-set loss.
The Mustangs showed signs of life in the second frame, battling to a 10-10 tie before a Golden Hurricane run created separation and their precision down the stretch sealed a 25-20 win, putting Cal Poly in an 0-2 hole.
Refusing to go quietly, the Mustangs mounted their strongest challenge in the third set. The teams traded points in a tense battle that featured eight separate ties. Cal Poly's attack found its best form, hitting a match-high .344 with 15 kills. Annabelle Thalken led the charge, finishing the night with a team-high eight kills and a .308 hitting percentage, while Chloe Leluge was efficient with six kills on nine swings (.556).
However, with the set knotted at 18-18, Tulsa engineered a decisive 7-3 run to close out the match, capitalizing on a few late Mustang errors to claim the set 25-21 and the match.
Despite the loss, there were positive moments for Cal Poly. Thalken and Leluge provided offensive sparks, and Kendall Beshear contributed seven kills and a team-high three block assists. Aveya Stone, a true freshman outside hitter, made her collegiate debut, coming off the bench to provide a boost and registering three kills on four error-free attacks.
The Mustangs will look to regroup and bounce back against the host Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday at 5 p.m. PT with the match being live streamed on SECN+.
The Golden Hurricane (2-2) controlled the match from the service line and behind a balanced attack, handing the Mustangs (2-2) their second loss of the season.
The opening set established the tone, as Tulsa raced out to an early lead and never looked back. Cal Poly struggled to side out, recording a .148 hitting percentage with eight kills against four errors in a 25-15 first-set loss.
The Mustangs showed signs of life in the second frame, battling to a 10-10 tie before a Golden Hurricane run created separation and their precision down the stretch sealed a 25-20 win, putting Cal Poly in an 0-2 hole.
Refusing to go quietly, the Mustangs mounted their strongest challenge in the third set. The teams traded points in a tense battle that featured eight separate ties. Cal Poly's attack found its best form, hitting a match-high .344 with 15 kills. Annabelle Thalken led the charge, finishing the night with a team-high eight kills and a .308 hitting percentage, while Chloe Leluge was efficient with six kills on nine swings (.556).
However, with the set knotted at 18-18, Tulsa engineered a decisive 7-3 run to close out the match, capitalizing on a few late Mustang errors to claim the set 25-21 and the match.
Despite the loss, there were positive moments for Cal Poly. Thalken and Leluge provided offensive sparks, and Kendall Beshear contributed seven kills and a team-high three block assists. Aveya Stone, a true freshman outside hitter, made her collegiate debut, coming off the bench to provide a boost and registering three kills on four error-free attacks.
The Mustangs will look to regroup and bounce back against the host Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday at 5 p.m. PT with the match being live streamed on SECN+.
Team Stats
CPO
Tulsa
Kills
34
42
Errors
15
12
Attempts
91
84
Hitting %
.209
.357
Points
44.5
51.0
Assists
34
40
Aces
3
4
Blocks
7.5
5
Game Leaders
Kills-Aces-Blocks
Players Mentioned
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