Main Story

Cal Poly Pomona recovered from a first-set loss and held off UC Merced in a five-set thriller, winning 24-26, 25-14, 25-12, 26-28, 15-11. Sarah Ybarra led the Broncos’ attack with 21 kills as CPP improved to 20-4 overall and 10-2 in conference play. The win also marked a career milestone for Charlotte Koerber, who reached 1,000 collegiate kills.

By the Numbers
  • Cal Poly Pomona: 20-4 overall, 10-2 in conference play.
  • Sarah Ybarra: 21 kills; Paige Bowyer: career-high 51 assists.
  • Broncos: .328 hitting percentage, 66 kills and 10 blocks.
  • UC Merced: 5-18 overall, 2-10 in conference play.
Yes, But

CPP looked in control after winning the second and third sets, but UC Merced forced a decider by taking the fourth, 28-26, after the Broncos reached set point. The Bobcats also tied the fifth set at 10 before CPP closed with five of the final six points.

What's Next

The Broncos close the regular season Saturday against undefeated Fresno Pacific, with first serve scheduled for 1 p.m.

Bottom Line

CPP showed resilience under pressure—and enters its regular-season finale with a 20-win season and conference momentum.