Photo courtesy of Sara Dechance
The Mustangs defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 52-7 on Saturday in Fresno, grabbing their second consecutive league victory in the program’s inaugural Division I season.
Fresno State scored first 11 minutes in, adding a conversion with it. The Mustangs would respond — and respond big, rattling off 52 unanswered points in an eight-try effort by three players.
“The girls weathered the initial onslaught from Fresno State and ultimately overcame a flat start in both attach and defense,” head coach Zach Markow said. “The difference between the first 20 minutes and the remaining 60 was urgency to the rucks, getting quick ball out of the rucks, and moving up and applying pressure to Fresno State in defense.”
View photos from the Fresno State match here, courtesy of Sara Dechance.
Liz Goethals led the way in scoring. The Mustangs’ leading try-scorer notched three tries in the first half before securing another in the second. Did we mention she’s only been playing rugby for three years? “She’s continuing to grow her offensive prowess,” Markow said. “Every time she touches the ball either results in a line break or a try.”
Mya Dunne and Carli Cockrell each scored two tries. Mia Nelson went 7 of 9 on conversions.
The victory is the Mustangs’ second consecutive league win in its inaugural Division I season. The match versus Claremont on Jan. 17, a friendly exhibition to open the season, was also a win.
Support a winning club. Donate today.
Last week, Cal Poly defeated UC Davis at home, 114-0. The Mustang defense smothered the Aggies, controlling the breakdown and providing its attack with more opportunities by forcing turnovers.
The average margin of victory between the two league games is 79.5 points. The margin dips to about 57 points if the 11-point exhibition win over Claremont on Jan. 17 is included.
“I’m incredibly proud of the ladies; success is not something that is guaranteed, especially with the transition to D1,” Markow said. “It requires commitment, sacrifice, and a lot of hard work. We set the expectation of our standards at the beginning of the season, and the ladies have been diligent in their preparation and efforts to ensure that the standard is met.”
Next up is Stanford at Steuber Rugby Stadium in Stanford, Calif. The Cardinal are the reigning national champions in both 7s and 15s, Markow said, describing the program as the “standard for excellence.” Kickoff is 11 a.m.
“We know that we will have to be at our very best to compete with them,” Markow said. “And we’re excited to test our mettle against them.”
Team award winners:
- Forward of the Match: Carli Crockett (Rookie)
- Back of the Match: Anna Moser
- Rookie of the Match: Evie Littler
- Ferocious Joy: Carli Crockett