SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Junior forward Isis Salazar-Ortega recorded the ninth hat trick in California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly Mustangs women’s soccer program history to lead the team to a 3-1 victory over the Sacramento State Hornets on October 31, 2026, securing a berth in the Big West Conference postseason tournament.
The Mustangs finished the regular season with a 7-7-5 overall record and a 4-4-3 mark in conference play, tying with Cal State Northridge for fifth place. Cal Poly earned the tiebreaker based on goal differential in Big West games to claim the fifth seed in the six-team tournament.
Freshman defender Kate Nunes tied a program record with three assists in the match, assisting on all three of Salazar-Ortega’s goals. The Mustangs will open the Big West Championship tournament against California Baptist University on November 4, 2026, on the road.
Head coach Bernardo Silva highlighted the team’s perseverance during a challenging season and praised Salazar-Ortega’s ability to perform in important moments. Silva expressed confidence as the Mustangs prepare to defend their Big West title.
CSB Take
Securing a spot in the Big West postseason represents a meaningful accomplishment for the California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly Mustangs women’s soccer team amid a demanding season. Isis Salazar-Ortega’s hat trick and Kate Nunes’ record-tying assists demonstrate the offensive potential that Cal Poly will rely on as it enters tournament play. Maintaining this momentum and executing under postseason pressure will be pivotal for the Mustangs in their pursuit of back-to-back conference championships.
Source: Original report
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