Mustang Volleyball Receiving Votes in September 22nd AVCA Rankings

Mustang Volleyball Receiving Votes in September 22nd AVCA Rankings

9/22/2025 4:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — After a stunning sweep of No. 20 Utah amidst a six-match win streak at the raucous Mott Athletics Center, the Cal Poly volleyball team is firmly back on the national radar.

The Mustangs have burst into the "also receiving votes" section of the weekly AVCA poll, their first appearance since earning an NCAA at-large bid in 2019. That year, Cal Poly spent two weeks in the top-25, a feat preceded by a No. 22 final ranking in 2018 after capturing the Big West crown.

“It’s an honor to receive national votes, especially in a conference that doesn’t always get that recognition,” said head coach Caroline Walters. “It proves people are starting to see what we already believe about this team.”

Walters, who reached the 100-win pinnacle and earned Big West Coach of the Year honors last season, credited her team's relentless attitude. “That win over Utah showed the nation what we’re capable of when we compete together with passion and joy. Our incredible fans make Mott Gym one of the toughest places to play, and that energy was a huge part of our success.”

The Mustangs are now defending their 2024 Big West regular-season title and riding a powerful 10-match home winning streak. What makes this start remarkable is how they've reloaded. Despite graduating the three pin hitters responsible for nearly half of last season's kills, Cal Poly has responded with one of the nation's most efficient offenses, currently ranking 19th in Division I with a .290 hitting percentage.

This success stems from a versatile system where every player embraces multiple roles. Outside hitter Emma Fredrick leads the team in kills (139) while also tying for the team lead in digs (103). Meanwhile, Kendall Beshear, a smaller pin hitter, excels in the back row with a .968 reception percentage while serving as the team's second-leading attacker. At the net, Chloe Leluge, a Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team honoree, is perhaps Cal Poly’s best two-way player, ranking fifth in the conference in hitting percentage (.365) and fourth in blocks.

“We’re going to keep building and fighting,” Walters added. “We’ll need that same electric atmosphere every single night as we chase something special this year!”