SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The UC Santa Barbara softball team stayed perfect in Big West play following a commanding 9–2 victory over Cal Poly on Sunday afternoon. Behind a complete team effort, the Gauchos now sit solely in first place in The Big West standings.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gauchos were bolstered by a four-run fourth inning, capitalizing on three errors by the Mustangs to extend their undefeated conference record.
 
In the first inning, the Mustangs took an early lead. A single to shallow right field brought in two runs, making the score 2–0 in favor of Cal Poly. The Gauchos quickly responded in the top of the second with a three-run inning.
 
Jaelyn Toledo scored on Giselle Mejia's bases-loaded walk. Ainsley Waddell then drove in two more runs with a single to shallow right field. The inning concluded with UC Santa Barbara leading 3–2.
 
The Gauchos extended their lead in the third inning when Delaina Ma'ae hit a solo home run to deep right field, bringing the score to 4–2.
 
The fourth inning saw UC Santa Barbara widen the gap further. Tehya Banks scored from second base on a single by Waddell. Katie Terrazas, pinch running for Waddell, later scored along with Emily Carr on a single by Jazzy Santos, bringing the game to 8–2.
 
In the fifth inning, Tehya Banks doubled and later scored on a wild pitch, pushing UC Santa Barbara's lead to 9–2.
 
UC Santa Barbara's defense held the Mustangs scoreless through the remaining innings, securing the win.
 
After relieving Waddell in the first inning, Ella Myers pitched the rest of the game, allowing just five hits across 6.2 innings pitched and not allowing Cal Poly to score after the first inning.
 
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will resume Big West play next weekend as they continue their seven-game road stretch at UC Riverside. The Gauchos and Highlanders will play a doubleheader on Saturday, March 21 and a single game on Sunday, March 22. All three games will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available.