JANE LEE
Sports Assistant
Leading by as many as 19 points in the second half of its final exhibition game, the Pepperdine women’s basketball team easily grabbed a 79-65 victory over Play Mode, a semi-pro team, on Saturday at Firestone Fieldhouse.
“I thought we did well,” Head Coach Julie Rousseau said. “We have a lot of areas to improve, but I didn’t think it was a bad start.”
The Waves received 19 points from junior Jasmane Clarendon, while freshman Jessica Ross connected on 5-8 from the three-point range in the absence of junior Lauren Wenski, to follow with 17 points. Freshman Sherriel Boyd (11), sophomore Shannon Johnson (10) and sophomore Daphanie Kennedy (10) also reached double digits en route to the win.
Highlighted by a 14-3 run over a three-and-a-half minute span midway through the opening frame, Pepperdine led by as much as 14 in the first half.
The Waves took a 42-36 lead into halftime after shooting 47.4 percent from the floor. Clarendon connected on six of 11 attempts to lead the team with 13 points.
Pepperdine continued to dominate in the second half, finishing the game shooting 45.6 percent, including 44.4 percent from the three-point arch and 81.8 percent from the free-throw line.
As Rometra Craig scored a game-high 23 points for Play Mode, former Wave Nicole Funn tallied 13 in the team’s losing effort.
“Although this game provides insight into the play of our very young team, the start of the regular season will be extremely intense,” Rousseau said. “We will be playing against a team that is more prepared and has a more structured offense and defense.”
The Waves open regular-season play Friday in Pullman, Wash., where they take on Washington State at 7 p.m.
“It remains to be seen how we respond,” Rousseau said. “I do think that we are talented despite our youth, and I’m excited to see how well we handle things in a more game-like situation.
“We expect our veteran players to step up and make huge contributions to help our young kids prepare for what awaits them.”
Pepperdine will play its first regular-season home game Nov. 22 when it hosts UC Riverside at 7 p.m. in Firestone Fieldhouse, and Rousseau said she believes the fans are in for a treat.
“I know that fans will love watching us play this year,” she said. “We are playing an up-tempo style that’s fun for us to play and the fans will love to watch.
“If you love basketball, I know you’ll love watching our team play.”
11-17-2005
