Upcoming Match: Pepperdine Women’s Volleyball vs. Santa Clara
MALIBU, Calif. — The Pepperdine women’s volleyball team, currently boasting a record of 17-7 and 10-2 in the West Coast Conference (WCC), will honor seniors Emma McMahon and Vanessa Polk during their upcoming match against Santa Clara (14-9, 9-3 WCC) this Saturday at noon.
To enhance the game day experience, the first 50 fans in attendance will receive rally towels. Tickets for the event can be purchased through the official link. Fans can also tune in to the livestream on ESPN+, which requires a subscription. Additional details can be found on the women’s volleyball team’s schedule page at pepperdinewaves.com.
Current Performance
Just behind the leaders in the WCC, the Waves are experiencing a notable nine-match winning streak, placing them second in the conference. This impressive run has helped them climb to No. 49 in the NCAA’s RPI rankings, marking a season best.
Under Head Coach Scott Wong, the Waves have a successful track record on Senior Day, with a 7-3 record in such matches.
Previous Match Highlights
In their last outing, Pepperdine concluded a successful weekend with a decisive 3-0 victory over Washington State, completing a perfect 2-0 record for the weekend. Chloe Pravednikov showcased her talent by leading the team with 12 kills, while Ella Piskorz contributed with 11 kills and six blocks.
Freshman Tristen Raymond also had a noteworthy performance, recording her 11th double-double of the season with 30 assists and 11 digs, complemented by Laine Briggs, known for her strong serve, who added two aces and 11 digs to the team’s effort.
Player Spotlight
Maggie Beauer
A sophomore from Chandler, Ariz., Beauer ranks second on the team with 246 total kills and leads in kills per set with an average of 2.93. She has consistently delivered double-digit kills, surpassing this milestone in 13 matches.
Tristen Raymond
Fellow freshman Raymond has emerged as a versatile setter, ranking among the top players on the team in several categories, including assists per set (6.49) and digs per set (2.41). She has been recognized as West Coast Conference Setter of the Week multiple times this season.
Chloe Pravednikov
Leading the team in total kills, Pravednikov has demonstrated remarkable consistency, delivering 253 kills this season. Her performance has kept her among the top hitters in the WCC as she continues to evolve from her standout freshman year.
Ella Piskorz
The Canadian middle blocker Piskorz has showcased her defensive skills, ranking highly in both total blocks (122) and blocks per set (1.39). She earned her second Defensive Player of the Week title after an impressive performance against San Francisco.
Laine Briggs
Briggs has proven to be an exceptional server, currently ranking among the top in Division I with 43 aces. Her impact on the game extends beyond serving; she leads the team in digs per set, further solidifying her all-around contribution.
Scouting the Opponent: Santa Clara
Earlier this season, Santa Clara made waves by defeating the Waves in four sets, marking their first win against Pepperdine since 2017. Offensively, the Broncos are performing well, leading the WCC with 1,228 kills and 1,138 assists.
Key players for Santa Clara include Cate Shanahan, who ranks sixth in the conference with 307 kills, and Macy Hinshaw, who leads in assists with a total of 948.
Strength of Schedule and RPI
Pepperdine’s strength of schedule has been commendable, currently ranking tied for No. 30 in the nation. This challenge is reflected in their impressive performance against top-ranked teams, including securing four wins over top-100 RPI opponents.
Season Overview
In his eleventh season, Coach Wong has guided the Waves to a second-place prediction in the WCC preseason poll. The team features a mix of ten returning players, including standout Ella Piskorz and newcomers, enhancing their chances for future success.
Upcoming Facilities
Looking ahead, Pepperdine’s volleyball and basketball teams will transition to their new home, The Mountain at Mullin Park, which is scheduled to open in 2026. The venue promises to enhance the collegiate environment for athletes and fans alike.
Historical Context
Pepperdine women’s volleyball, with a legacy of 26 NCAA Tournament appearances, stands as one of the premier programs on the West Coast. The Waves have garnered numerous accolades, including producing several Olympians who contributed to the program’s rich history.
