The Cal Poly women’s basketball team won its way in to history this year by securing a share, at the least, of the Big West regular season title for the first time in program history. After losing senior forward Kristina Santiago minutes into the season, few thought Cal Poly could rebound and be in a position for an NCAA tournament bid.
Led by senior Rachel Clancy, the Mustangs have compiled a 12-3 conference record including wins over UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara.
The women started conference play on an 8-0 tear, beating every team in the Big West including conference favorite UC Davis at home by nine points, using only six players.
Clancy took control of the squad during their stretch with a short bench. She scored a career-high 31 points in the Mustangs’ victory over the Aggies.
The very same Aggies ended the win streak with a dominating performance in Davis, beating the Mustangs 82-61.
The team dropped two more games on the road to Cal State Northridge and UC Riverside, putting its conference lead in jeopardy when it came back to Mott Gym Feb. 24 to face Cal State Fullerton.
However, the Mustangs regrouped with new Cal Poly president Jeffrey Armstrong in attendance, putting up 47 points in the final 20 minutes to deliver head coach Faith Mimnaugh her 100th Big West victory. She is only the fifth head coach in conference history to reach that mark.
Mimnaugh has been an instrumental part in Cal Poly’s recent success on the hardwood.
Over the last three seasons, she has led the Mustangs to a 53-30 combined record — after starting her career 123-186.
With Santiago, last season’s Big West Player of the Year, returning next year, and just three seniors leaving, the Mustangs may be able to repeat Mimnaugh’s recent success next year.