Pepperdine University’s women’s basketball team continued its strong start to the season with an 80-72 win over California State University, Los Angeles at Firestone Fieldhouse on Saturday. This victory marks the Waves’ best opening in 25 years, improving their record to 7-2.
Head coach Katie Faulkner commented on the significance of the early success: “This start is special, and it speaks to everyone involved: players, staff, and the culture we’re building. The process matters to us, and nights like this are a byproduct of people doing their job the right way, together.”
Shorna Preston led Pepperdine with 20 points and 10 rebounds, recording her third consecutive double-double this season. Preston remains the only player on the team with a double-double so far. Bella Green came close with nine rebounds and eight points.
The Waves started quickly with a 10-3 run but trailed briefly in the first quarter before freshman Seleh Haron helped regain the lead by scoring five points late in the period. At halftime, Pepperdine led 37-35 despite shooting just over 23 percent from the field in the second quarter.
Defensive efforts increased in the third quarter as Pepperdine held CSULA to just 14 points while scoring 22 themselves. Harmon and Elli Guiney each scored five points during that stretch, helping extend Pepperdine’s lead to as much as 15.
In the fourth quarter, Pepperdine shot over 56 percent from the field. Meghan Fiso contributed six points, while Guiney and Preston added five each. The Waves secured their win by maintaining their lead until the final whistle.
Other notable performances included four blocks from Preston—matching her season high—and Harmon finishing two points shy of her career best with a total of 13 for the game. Over half of Pepperdine’s total points came from inside the paint.
With this win, Pepperdine starts its season at 7-2 for the first time since 2000-01.
Looking ahead, Pepperdine will host North Dakota State on December 16 as part of its inaugural Malibu Classic tournament inside Firestone Fieldhouse. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ (subscription required), and live stats will be available at pepperdinewaves.com.
Coach Faulkner concluded: “The process matters to us, and nights like this are a byproduct of people doing their job the right way, together.”
For more information about tickets for upcoming home games or updates about Pepperdine women’s basketball news, visit their official website or follow @PepperdineWBB on social media.
