SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly Mustangs women’s basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a commanding 79-38 victory over the UC Merced Bobcats on November 2 at the Mott Athletics Center. The Mustangs trailed for only a brief span early on before pulling away, fueled by a dominating second half performance.
Cal Poly led 13-4 after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 29-19 by halftime. The Mustangs then took control in the third quarter, outscoring UC Merced 21-2 to take a 50-21 lead entering the final period. They added 29 points in the fourth to seal a 41-point win.
Key contributors for Cal Poly included Sumer Lee, who scored 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, while adding four rebounds, two steals and two assists. Dessi Ulmer recorded a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Gabby Robinson added 12 points, Madison Butcher scored eight points with five rebounds, Maddy Tauro made seven points with four assists and three steals, and Ysabella Von Seipler contributed six points and six rebounds off the bench.
Cal Poly shot 45.5 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range, while holding UC Merced to 19.6 percent shooting overall and 13.3 percent from beyond the arc. The Mustangs forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 20 points. Cal Poly outscored the Bobcats 40-14 in the paint and had an assist advantage of 14-9. Defensively, Cal Poly recorded 11 steals compared to UC Merced’s three.
The Mustangs resume play on November 5 at home against Whittier College, their final non-Division I opponent for the season, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. at Mott Athletics Center.
CSB Take
The California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly Mustangs women’s basketball team opened the campaign with a dominant performance that showcased both offensive balance and defensive pressure. Strong contributions from multiple players like Sumer Lee and Dessi Ulmer demonstrated depth and versatility. As the team advances into conference play, maintaining this level of intensity and cohesion will be critical to their success in the Big West Conference this season.
Source: Original report
More coverage: Cal Poly Mustangs.
