In an unexpected turn of events, Cal Poly faced a tough defeat against the University of Hawai’i, ending with a score of 62-50 in a home game on Saturday.
Cal Poly’s offense fell short, with standout performances from Sierra Lichtie and Mary Carter, who both reached double figures in scoring. Lichtie led the team with a notable 11 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds, showcasing her defensive prowess off the bench. Carter contributed with 10 points, and guards Ashley Hiraki and Sydney Bourland each added nine points to the scoreboard. However, the Mustangs struggled with their shooting, hitting only 31 percent from the field and a mere 20 percent from beyond the arc.
On the opposing side, the Rainbow Wahine, who have previously secured back-to-back championships in the Big West, found their rhythm with three players scoring in double digits. Lily Wahinekapu and Meilani McBee each scored 14 points, while Brooklyn Rewers added 11 points, helping Hawai’i achieve a 40 percent shooting accuracy.
After a brief lead in the first quarter, Cal Poly succumbed to a 15-4 run from Hawai’i and ended the first half trailing significantly. Despite a late surge attempting to close the gap, the Mustangs could not reclaim the lead. Looking ahead, Cal Poly is set to face off against UC San Diego next Thursday, January 9 at 6 p.m. at Mott Athletics Center, a game fans can catch live on ESPN+.
Cal Poly Women’s Basketball: Analyzing Their Setback Against Hawai’i and What Lies Ahead
### Overview of the Game
In their recent home game, the Cal Poly women’s basketball team faced a disappointing 62-50 defeat against the University of Hawai’i. This match highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the Mustangs as they struggled to maintain momentum after a promising start.
### Key Player Performances
Despite the loss, few players from Cal Poly shone on the court. **Sierra Lichtie** had a standout performance, not only leading the team in scoring with 11 points but also contributing significantly in rebounding with 11 boards. **Mary Carter** added to the effort with 10 points. However, the offensive struggles were evident as the team shot only 31% from the field, which played a crucial role in their defeat.
On Hawai’i’s side, the **Rainbow Wahine** showcased a balanced attack with three players reaching double digits in scoring. **Lily Wahinekapu** and **Meilani McBee** each scored 14 points, while **Brooklyn Rewers** contributed 11 points, demonstrating the team’s capability of executing effective offensive plays.
### Game Flow and Statistics
Cal Poly initially took the lead in the first quarter, but soon fell victim to a 15-4 run by Hawai’i, which allowed the Rainbow Wahine to establish a significant lead by halftime. Despite a valiant effort to close the gap in the second half, Cal Poly couldn’t capitalize on their scoring opportunities. The Mustangs need to address their shooting accuracy, particularly from three-point range, where they only managed 20%.
### Upcoming Challenges and Strategies
Cal Poly is looking ahead to their next matchup against **UC San Diego** on January 9. The Mustangs will need to alter their strategies to improve their scoring efficiency and enhance their defensive plays. Fans can catch the live-action of this game on ESPN+, an opportunity to see if Cal Poly can rebound from this setback.
### Insights and Predictions
As the season progresses, the Mustangs face a critical period where they must learn from their defeats and capitalize on their strengths. If they can improve their shooting percentages and defensive strategies, Cal Poly has the potential to compete effectively in upcoming games.
### Final Thoughts
While the loss against Hawai’i was a disappointment, it serves as a learning experience for the team. By focusing on improving their shooting and maintaining a robust defense, the Mustangs can turn their season around. The upcoming game against UC San Diego will be pivotal in determining their path moving forward.
For more updates on Cal Poly athletics, visit Cal Poly Athletics.
