Pepperdine Waves
WCC
One of the better stories in all of women’s college soccer has been the Pepperdine Waves. They have surged up the rankings by signature results against great teams like North Carolina and other power five conference schools like Washington State. With the right draw this Pepperdine side which is very experienced has a great opportunity to make a very deep run in the NCAA Tournament. It won’t be easy as they will be in the same region as some Pac-12 powers, but they will be a very tough out in the NCAA Tournament.
2014 Record: 15-2-3, 6-1-2
Coach: Tim Ward
Good Results: 8/31 North Carolina (1-0), 10/3 Santa Clara (2-1)
Bad Results: 10/10 at Saint Mary’s (0-0), 10/18 San Diego (1-2)
Why They Can Surprise:
The Waves have proven they can play with anyone in the country, as they knocked off North Carolina earlier in the season and played UCLA well on a neutral field in Honolulu. So this Pepperdine team is not going to be intimidated by anyone in the NCAA Tournament. Senior forward Lynn Williams is going to be the key to the offensive attack for the Waves. Throughout the season, Williams has found a way to come up very clutch and get a key goal. The backline is outstanding, led by the group of senior Micaela Cervantes, redshirt junior Courtney Assuma, sophomore Megan Harbison and freshman Kelly Van Horn, who along with sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Seabert, have locked down opponents consistently all season long.
Why They Can Disappoint:
The inability to generate enough offense when Williams has not been able to score is something to watch as teams are going to double team Williams in the NCAA Tournament. Pepperdine is going to need big offensive performances from sophomore forward Taylor Alvarado and redshirt sophomore forward Rylee Baisden. Also, if the Waves give up an early goal in the NCAA Tournament, it will be interesting to see how aggressive they become in regard to chasing the match in order to come from behind. All season long this Pepperdine side has been great at starting strong and limiting the opponent from a fast start in the opening the 45 minutes.
Key Strikers:
Lynn Williams, Senior, 12 goals, 8 assists
Taylor Alvarado, Sophomore, 4 goals, 0 assists
Key Midfielders:
Colby Carson, Sophomore, 3 goals, 5 assists
Ally Holtz, Sophomore, 1 goal, 7 assists
Rylee Baisden, Redshirt Sophomore, 4 goals, 0 assists
Key Defenders:
Jamie Van Horn, Freshman, 0 goals, 0 assists
Micaela Cervantes, Senior, 0 goals, 0 assists
Courtney Assuma, Redshirt Junior, 2 goals, 0 assists
Megan Harbison, Sophomore, 1 goal, 2 assists
Key Goalkeepers:
Hannah Seabert, Sophomore, 0.68 goals against average, .835 save percentage, 8 shutouts
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.74 (77th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.608 (22, 1)
Shutout Percentage: .526 (35, 1)
Save Percentage: .855 (22, 1)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2012 First Round Lost to California
2011 First Round Lost to Long Beach State
2005 First Round Defeated Mississippi
2005 Second Round Defeated Samford
2005 Third Round Lost to North Carolina
2004 First Round Lost to UCLA
2003 First Round Defeated USC
2003 Second Round Lost to UCLA
2002 First Round Defeated Milwaukee
2002 Second Round Defeated Wisconsin
2002 Third Round Lost to Michigan
2001 First Round Defeated USC
2001 Second Round Lost to UCLA
*all team stats through 11/2
See All Women’s Soccer Postseason Capsules
