Cal Poly Women's Basketball Routes UC Merced 79-38
The Mustangs opened the 2026-27 season with a 41-point non-conference win at Mott Athletic Center.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
Cal Poly Women's Basketball defeated UC Merced 79-38 on November 3, 2026, at Mott Athletic Center to start the 2026-27 season. The Mustangs improved to 1-0 after building a 29-19 halftime lead and outscoring the Golden Bobcats in the second half.
Why it matters
The opening win gives Cal Poly an early positive result as it begins a season with a younger group of returning players alongside older transfers. Residents of San Luis Obispo can follow the team's home schedule at Mott Athletic Center as the Mustangs continue non-conference play.
The 79-38 final score reflects a 41-point margin in the season opener. UC Merced managed only four first-quarter points and two third-quarter points, and the extraction does not indicate how the Mustangs will perform against conference opponents.
The players
Dessi Ulmer
Dessi Ulmer is a junior forward for Cal Poly Women's Basketball who led the team with 17 points and 14 rebounds in the opening win.
The details
Cal Poly built its lead through defensive pressure and a strong second half, extending a 29-19 halftime edge to 50-21 entering the fourth quarter. Junior forward Dessi Ulmer led the team with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Cal Poly defeats UC Merced 79-38 in its season opener.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Cal Poly hosts Whittier College at Mott Athletic Center.
Season Trajectory
The Mustangs enter the 2026-27 season with a roster that blends younger returning players and experienced transfers, and the opening win offers an early indication of how that mix performs in competition. The result sets a baseline for the team's non-conference schedule before its next home game against Whittier College.
Fans planning to attend home games can note the Thursday, November 5 matchup against Whittier College at Mott Athletic Center. The 41-point margin over UC Merced means the Mustangs begin 1-0, which will matter for early-season standings in non-conference play.
The takeaway
A strong opening performance can set the tone for a season, and Cal Poly's defensive effort in the second half offers a concrete measure to watch as the team continues its non-conference schedule.
What happens next
Cal Poly hosts Whittier College at Mott Athletic Center on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Further reading
Follow more coverage in our Basketball section for context on the season ahead.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mustang News.
