SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — In a commanding display of defensive prowess, the Cal Poly women’s basketball team secured a decisive victory over NAIA’s Chapman University on Monday night, clinching a 59-31 win at home.
Sophomore guard Vanessa McManus emerged as the standout performer, contributing a game-high 14 points. Her efforts on the court earned her the title of Big West Player of the Week for this past week. Fellow sophomore Avery Knapp supported with a solid nine points, enhancing the team’s offensive performance.
The Mustangs’ defensive strategy proved instrumental, as they restricted their opponents to a mere 18% shooting rate from the field and forced a staggering 24 turnovers throughout the match.
The game began with a tightly contested first quarter, where the teams were tied at 10-10 before Cal Poly finished the quarter strong with a 6-0 run. The Mustangs escalated their performance in the second quarter, at one point stretching their lead to 20 points.
In the third quarter, their defensive efforts were particularly notable, as they held the Panthers to just five points, further widening the gap.
Cal Poly will now take a 10-day hiatus before embarking on Big West conference play. They are set to face Cal State Fullerton at home on Thursday, December 4.
