On Wednesday night, Cal Poly women’s basketball seniors Hannah Gilbert and Amanda Lovely finished their home careers with a 73-57 win over Cal State Fullerton at Mott Athletics Center. The duo combined for 23 points in the balanced Cal Poly scoring attack. 

Hannah Gilbert has been a solid four-year contributor in the post for Cal Poly. By Owen Main

The win moved Cal Poly to 7-8 in the Big West and, while they won’t likely be in the top five seeds, the Mustangs have proven they can compete with some of the best Big West schools.

With Gilbert’s four-year career done, I thought of a few things. First, Hannah is a Morro Bay Pirate. My father was as well, so I’ve always rooted for the Mustang center. 

It also made me think about what a great job Faith Mimnaugh has done generally keeping local basketball talent at Cal Poly. With Kristina Santiago, Molly Schlemer as just a few local alumni, there is precedent and a clear pathway for local athletes. Gilbert and Mary-Kate Evans are from San Luis Obispo county as well.

I’m not a guy who says that a ton of players have to be from local schools, but when there are local players who are good enough to play Division I basketball, it is really great for fans to see that coach Mimnaugh and company are able to keep those local players at Cal Poly. 

But I digress. Big congratulations to Hannah and Amanda. Good luck in the Big West Tournament next week, ladies!