Pepperdine Swept USC in Women's Volleyball
The Waves secured a decisive 3-0 victory against the Trojans at the Galen Center.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Volleyball
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Pepperdine University defeated the University of Southern California in a straight-set women's volleyball match on Sept. 19. The win marked the first time the Waves have beaten USC since 2005.
Why it matters
This victory concludes Pepperdine's nonconference schedule and breaks a nearly two-decade losing streak against their Southern California rivals. The performance highlights a defensive effort that held the Trojans to a .000 hitting percentage.
Pepperdine dominated the match with a 3-0 final score, while holding the USC offense to a .000 hitting percentage. Key contributors included Tristen Raymond with 26 assists and Laine Briggs with 16 digs.
The players
Pepperdine University
This is a private Christian university in Malibu, California, known for its competitive NCAA Division I athletic programs.
University of Southern California
This is a major private research university in Los Angeles with a historic and highly successful collegiate sports program.
Maggie Beauer
She is a key player for the Pepperdine women's volleyball team who contributed 8 kills and 5 blocks in this match.
Tristen Raymond
She serves as a primary playmaker for Pepperdine, recording 26 assists and 2 aces during the sweep.
Laine Briggs
She is a defensive specialist for the Waves who anchored the team with 16 digs.
The details
Pepperdine took control early with a 6-0 lead in the first set, eventually winning by scores of 25-12, 25-20, and 25-17. Strong play at the net by Maggie Beauer and Irelynd Lorenzen, both with 8 blocks, complemented Ella Piskorz’s ability to force multiple USC attack errors.
Timeline
Dec. 3, 2005: Date of the last Pepperdine victory over USC.
Sept. 18, 2026: Pepperdine defeated UC Santa Barbara 3-1.
Sept. 19, 2026: The Waves swept USC at the Galen Center.
Sept. 24, 2026: Pepperdine is scheduled to play Santa Clara University.
Season Trajectory
This win over a high-profile opponent provides Pepperdine with significant momentum as they close out their nonconference schedule. The result signals a potential shift in the competitive balance between the two programs heading into late-season play.
The .000 hitting percentage allowed by Pepperdine confirms a statistically dominant defensive performance that limits opposing offensive efficiency. This sweep significantly improves the team's standing as they transition out of nonconference play.
The takeaway
Consistent defensive pressure at the net proved to be the decisive factor in controlling the pace of the match. Implementing similar high-block strategies can effectively neutralize opponents who rely on aggressive hitting patterns.
What happens next
Pepperdine will continue their season with a matchup against Santa Clara University on Sept. 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local matches and player developments, visit the Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pepperdine Graphic.
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