Photo courtesy of Sara Dechance.
Cal Poly was defeated by the BYU Cougars in Stanford on Thursday, March 26, ending the program’s inaugural Division I season in the first round of the playoffs — but followed it up just days later with a win over the team where it all started.
“Competing against BYU was a big step up,” interim head coach Paul Cappellano said. “They were competent in all phases of the game, took advantage of field position and capitalized on our mistakes.”
Cappellano highlighted multiple players who stood out, including Baya Damian, who filled in for the injured Aubrey Johnson, Liz Goethals, who scored the Mustangs’ only try, and Isabella Wallin at loosehead prop, who ran “down their wing on the sideline,” Cappellano said.
The Cougars — two-time Division I national champions in the last several seasons — were dominant all year. They will play Life University in the title game on April 11 in Sacramento.
Cappellano said the Mustangs made some uncharacteristic handling errors that put them on the back foot. He said penalties were a big factor, too, conceding 18. BYU had six.
“My initial thoughts were about a deficit of execution and intensity against BYU,” Cappellano said. “Then I saw their dismantling of Western Washington and realized we played them tougher than my first impression.”
BYU defeated Western Washington, 75-0, on Saturday.
Right back where it all started
A poetic ending to the season for Cal Poly. The Mustangs bounced back from their loss to the Cougars with a shutout victory over the Claremont Foxes, 10-0. Cal Poly defeated the Foxes 26-17 in their first regular-season match in Division I, kicking off a run of three consecutive wins at the highest level of competition, including a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Stanford.
“We knew that Claremont had steadily improved each time we played them, and this time would be no exception,” he said. “However, they were as banged up as we were.”
Anna Moser and Ellablu Wagner were held out of the match after spending Friday in the emergency room, Cappellano said. Evie Littler stepped in at fly-half and Carli Cockrell “did an equally great job” at openside flanker. She had several line breaks and dominant tackles, he said.
The defense kept Claremont off the board, too — something Cappellano noted as the Mustangs ended their 15s season on a high note.
“I think we all realize the need to increase our preparation for the physicality of a long Division I season,” he said. “I am proud of the way our student-athletes navigated the potholes along the bumpy road of the season. The players and club officers showed an uncanny level of organization and grit when faced with multiple challenges.”
Up next, the Mustangs have the 7s national championships in Indianapolis, April 25-26. Last season, the Mustangs finished third in the tournament.
“I’d like to thank the athletes, parents and supporters for their encouragement and assistance in running the show,” Cappellano said. “While [head coach Zach Markow] and Natalie brought little Liam into the world.”