Lancers Fall 2-1 to Cal Poly in Big West Opener

Wednesday, September 23

San Luis Obispo, CA

6:00 PM

California Baptist University

5-1-1, 0-1-0

Cal Poly

4-3-2, 1-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
California Baptist	0	1	1
Cal Poly	1	1	2

Game Notes

Photo by: Will Carter

Lancers Fall 2-1 to Cal Poly in Big West Opener

9/23/2026 9:46:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Will Carter, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications & Digital Media

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – CBU suffered its first loss of the season Wednesday night, falling 2-1 to Cal Poly in the Lancers' first Big West match.

The Lancers (5-1-1, 0-1) saw their unbeaten start come to an end, while junior defender Ava Lopez scored her first career goal in the loss. The Mustangs improved to 4-3-2, 1-0.

The Lancers and Mustangs battled back and forth throughout much of the first half, with both teams creating chances early. Freshman Bella D'Amico made her first career start, while seniors Jessica Ramirez and Rainie Clark also returned to the starting lineup.

With the match appearing tied heading into halftime, Cal Poly broke through in the 41st minute to take a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

CBU came out strong to start the second half and quickly found the equalizer. Lopez scored in the 51st minute off a pass from senior Anja Jestrovic to level the match at 1-1. The goal marked Lopez's first career goal as a Lancer, while Jestrovic recorded her fourth assist of the season on the play.

AVA WITH HER FIRST CAREER GOAL!!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/4e05ZVJG0P
— California Baptist Women's Soccer (@CBUwsoccer) September 24, 2026

CBU continued to battle after tying the game, but Cal Poly regained the lead in the 69th minute. The Lancers looked for another equalizer late, with Ramirez recording a shot that resulted in a team save.

Graduate goalkeeper Mikayla O'Brien made five saves on the night, while CBU finished with four shots, including two on goal.

"Disappointed to drop points on the road, but we knew this was going to be a tough place to play for multiple reasons," said head coach Kristen St. Clair. "There were a lot of positive aspects to take away from this game including the fight to work our way back into the game after starting slowly and giving up an early goal. We created some very good chances, unfortunately the game came down to two uncharacteristic mistakes in the back and not finishing our chances. This is a hard lesson but one we'll learn from and move forward."

CBU will return to action Saturday at 1 p.m. as the team travels to local rival UC Riverside for the Crosstown Showdown. The Lancers will look to bounce back against the Highlanders after winning the last three meetings.