The No. 6 Stanford women’s volleyball team edged Cal Poly 25-17, 23-25, 26-24, 25-10 Saturday in front of a Mott Gym regular-season record crowd of 2,917.
The No. 19 Mustangs (5-6), who won their first set against Stanford in 22 years, were led by Kylie Atherstone’s 17 kills.
“The match was a great opportunity for us against No. 6 Stanford and, for a while, we held our own well,” Mustangs head coach Jon Stevenson said in a statement. “We had a disappointing breakdown, however. We’re close to playing at what, I believe, is the highest level, and we look forward to opening Big West (Conference) play next week.”
Cal Poly was attempting to avenge last year’s season-ending loss to the Cardinal in the NCAA regional semifinals at Maples Pavilion.
Stanford, which outhit Cal Poly .331-.094, and outblocked the Mustangs 20-6, was led by Cynthia Barboza’s 20 kills. She hit a season-high .462 and also added 12 digs.
Cal Poly opens Big West play Friday at Cal State Northridge.