Poly softball team in first place

The Cal Poly softball team could not cash in on an opportunity to sweep Cal State Fullerton on Sunday, but still came away with both the series victory and first-place residency in the Big West Conference standings.

The Mustangs won 3-2 and 8-3 on Saturday before losing 7-5 on Sunday at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton.

Cal Poly could have clinched at least a share of its first Big West title Sunday, but that goal must now wait until next weekend, when the Mustangs wrap up the regular season against visiting Pacific.

Right fielder Lauren Lupinetti blasted a three-run, walkoff home run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning Sunday to lift the Titans to victory.

The wild finish was set up by Cal Poly scoring four runs in the top of the seventh to turn a 4-1 deficit into a 5-4 lead.

Cal Poly starter Emily Hively gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in six innings. She was relieved by Robyn Kontra, who gave up two singles separated by a strikeout prior to Lupinetti’s heroics.

Krysten Cary blasted a three-run homer as part of the Mustangs’ four-run seventh. Cary and Stephanie Tam had two hits apiece for Cal Poly.

Despite Sunday’s letdown, the series victory was crucial for a Cal Poly team desperate to regain momentum after consecutive 2-1 series losses at UC Davis and against visiting UC Santa Barbara.

On Saturday, junior designated player Sarah Iwata belted two solo home runs – including the game-winner – to lift the Mustangs to the 3-2 win in the opener.

Kontra (11-6) earned the win in that game, giving up two runs on seven hits in her 10th complete game of the season. The junior right-hander walked six and struck out four.

A similarly efficient outing was put forth in the second game Saturday by Cal Poly’s Jenna Maiden (12-3), who threw her seventh complete game of the year. The sophomore right-hander allowed three runs on seven hits, walked two and struck out four.

The Mustangs put up six runs in the second inning. Cal Poly shortstop Melissa Pura gave her team a five-run cushion with a two-run bomb to left field in the sixth.

Pura (2 for 4) was the only Mustang with multiple hits, but one of eight Cal Poly players with at least one hit. Cary and Kelly Comstock drove in three and two runs, respectively, for the Mustangs.

Cal Poly hosts Pacific for a noon doubleheader Friday before closing the regular season with Senior Day at noon Saturday.