Donovan AirdThis story was posted at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.
The Cal Poly women’s volleyball team dominated Saturday night at Mott Gym, where it swept Cal State Fullerton and Kylie Atherstone broke the all-time Cal Poly record of 167 aces in a career.
Atherstone, a senior opposite, had not just two service aces to break the record, but five during the 25-16, 25-20, 25-12 win.
“I’m just glad we won,” Atherstone said. “If we would have lost, it doesn’t matter about the aces.”
Atherstone recently became the second Mustang and 11th Big West Conference player to record 4,000 hitting attempts in a career.
“It’s nice to have the personal accolades, but in the end, if we win, I’m happy,” she said.
Cal Poly senior outside hitter Ali Waller also came out strong, with 10 kills and 12 digs. Junior setter Hailey Fithian added a match-high 30 assists in the win.
During the match, the Mustangs (13-7, 8-1 Big West) had to make just one brief comeback, in the second set.
“That is just excellent play by us,” Mustangs head coach Jon Stevenson said. “We hit for a high percentage, we out-dug them, we out-blocked them, and I’m sure we out-served them.”
After four straight home matches, the Mustangs will now prepare to visit Pacific at 7 p.m. Friday.
“I’m excited and I’m looking forward to it,” Stevenson said.