Beach Continues Big West Play With Key Road Matches At Cal Poly And UC Santa Barbara

Tuesday, March 31

San Luis Obispo, CA

12 p.m.

Long Beach State University

Cal Poly

Beach Continues Big West Play With Key Road Matches At Cal Poly And UC Santa Barbara

3/30/2026 12:28:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Long Beach State meets Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara with conference standings tightly contested at the top

By: Chelsea Pfohl, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Long Beach State hits the road this week for two key Big West matchups, facing Cal Poly on Tuesday and UC Santa Barbara on Wednesday in a stretch that could significantly impact the conference race.

The Beach enters the week at 4-1 in conference play and 11-7 overall, sitting just behind the top tier in a tightly packed standings group. Cal Poly (8-7, 3-0 Big West) and UC Santa Barbara (8-8, 2-0 Big West) remain unbeaten in Big West play, while Cal State Fullerton (12-5, 5-1 Big West) and Long Beach State are close behind, creating a crowded race near the top.

Momentum is firmly on Long Beach State's side after a 4-3 win over Cal State Fullerton last week. After dropping the doubles point, the Beach responded with four singles victories, highlighted by straight-set wins from Cecilia Costa, Thea Jagare, and Pamela Badillo. Daria Malaescu clinched the match at No. 6 with a 7-5, 7-5 victory, underscoring the team's depth and ability to close in tight situations.

That depth will be tested immediately against a Cal Poly team that has yet to drop a conference match. Playing in San Luis Obispo, the Mustangs will look to defend their home courts in what shapes up to be a pivotal early-week matchup. Securing the doubles point will be critical in setting the tone.

The challenge continues Wednesday at UC Santa Barbara, another unbeaten team in conference play. The Gauchos have built their success on strong home performances, going 7-4 in Santa Barbara, and typically rely on balance throughout the lineup. Matches in the middle courts could ultimately decide the outcome.

With four teams clustered at the top of the standings and minimal separation, this two-match road swing carries significant weight. A strong showing would not only extend Long Beach State's momentum but could also shift control in the Big West race as the regular season enters its decisive stretch.