Pepperdine University’s women’s basketball team achieved a 69-63 victory over CSUN on Saturday afternoon at Firestone Fieldhouse, marking the program’s best start to a season in 45 years. The Waves now hold a 9-3 record, while CSUN drops to 5-6.
Head coach Katie Faulkner commented on her team’s performance: “We created a lot of great opportunities, and found a way when shots weren’t falling. I think we know we want a better effort defensively in the second half but people stepped up in different ways throughout the game.”
The game began with both teams struggling offensively, as neither side established much rhythm in the first quarter. Shorna Preston led all players with four points in that period, and Pepperdine held a narrow 12-11 lead after ten minutes.
In the second quarter, Pepperdine improved its shooting and extended its lead. Lina Falk contributed eight points during this stretch, while Preston came close to securing a double-double before halftime with nine points and 11 rebounds. The Waves’ defense limited CSUN’s second-chance opportunities by outrebounding them 9-4 on that end. Pepperdine led 31-18 at halftime.
CSUN responded after the break by erasing Pepperdine’s 13-point advantage during the third quarter. Multiple lead changes and ties made for a competitive stretch, but Pepperdine maintained a one-point edge heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Pepperdine rediscovered its shooting form, converting half of its attempts from both the field and beyond the arc. Freshman Seleh Harmon made one of her two three-point attempts in this period—her sixth consecutive game with at least one three-pointer—and has hit at least one in 11 of her first 12 games this season. Falk added ten more points after halftime as Pepperdine secured the win.
With this result, Pepperdine concludes nonconference play at 9-3—their best opening since 1980 and fourth-best start overall in program history. Next, they begin West Coast Conference competition against Washington State on December 28; coverage will be available via ESPN+ (subscription required) and live stats can be accessed through pepperdinewaves.com.
Lina Falk recorded a season-high of 18 points—two short of her career high—to lead all scorers for Pepperdine. Shorna Preston registered her fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and a season-high 16 rebounds. Seleh Harmon was also in double figures with ten points.
Taija Sta. Maria continued to pace the team in assists with four on Saturday night. Both teams committed an equal number of turnovers (15 each), but Pepperdine outscored CSUN on fast breaks (13-0) and dominated on rebounds (47-36 overall; offensive boards were 17-10).
Pepperdine women’s basketball has reached NCAA postseason play four times, capturing four regular-season West Coast Conference titles and three tournament championships. The Waves have had six All-American selections and advanced to the WNIT Sweet Sixteen in 2019.
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