Photos by Berkley Mason
Rebuilding.
This is one word that describes the 2015-16 Pepperdine Waves women’s basketball team. After losing leading scorer Bria Richardson, leading rebounder Ea Shoushtari and key post defender Tessa Emerson from last year’s squad due to graduation, the Waves saw eight letterwinners return, along with the addition of seven newcomers. Head Coach Ryan Weisenberg is at the helm for his third season of leading the program.
Despite a rough 4-7 start to the new season in non-conference play, development of the Waves’ younger and newer additions to the roster has been a major emphasis for the Waves throughout the season. With 10 underclassmen players (seven freshmen, three sophomores) on the roster this season, Coach Weisenberg has stated the importance of developing the Waves’ younger players since the beginning of the season.
“We have a great group of young talent this year,” Weisenberg said during Blue and Orange Madness in October. “If we continue to develop and grow together as a team, we can definitely build a top-contending program here for years to come.”
The Waves kicked off WCC play following finals week against Gonzaga and Portland at home, but they split the two games with a loss against the Bulldogs 74-57 and a win against Portland 74-62. During the win against Portland, freshman guard Erica Ogwumike, who has been a standout for the Waves this season, notched a double-double effort with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
“I just do what I have to do every game to help my team win,” Ogwumike said following the victory. “Whether it be scoring the ball, fighting for rebounds or setting up teammates, I just do what I have to do.”
Following the two-game homestand, the Waves hit the road following the new year for three straight road games against Loyola Marymount, Pacific and Saint Mary’s. However, the results weren’t what the Waves expected, as the team suffered three straight losses: 79-69, 65-62 and 88-72.
“It’s tough to drop three big contests, especially against WCC opponents,” Weisenberg said. “However, I have seen a lot of growth overall as a team and through individual performances.”
During Pepperdine’s matchup against Loyola Marymount, freshman guard Paige Fecske led the team with 18 points while Erica Ogwumike had another double-double effort with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The following game against Pacific saw Erica Ogwumike led the Waves with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Sophomore forward Olivia Ogwumike followed her sister’s performance with a career-high 22 points in the loss to Saint Mary’s.
Through 18 games, Erica Ogwumike has been the team’s leader in two different categories: points (16.9 ppg) and rebounds (7.2 rpg). Fecske leads the team in assists (3.6 apg), while Olivia Ogwumike is a close second in points (9.6) and rebounds (4.4).
“We have a lot of players that are going to do a lot of big things in their careers here at Pepperdine and beyond,” Assistant Coach Josh Pace said. “I am excited to see what they learn here to help them excel in their games in the future.”
The Waves head south to take on San Diego tomorrow at 6 p.m.
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