Heavy losses for Pepperdine, but the future is bright
Departures
The Waves graduated six players, including starters Barbara Sitanggan (All-WCC First Team) and Paige Fecske, as well as Deezha Battle, Tara Dusharm, Hannah Friend and Ashleen Quirke.
Danijela Milisic, a graduate transfer, appeared in four games and is no longer listed on the roster.
Destiny McAllister transferred to Division II’s University of Charleston.
Returners
Six players return to action for Pepperdine, including starters Monique Andriuolo, Malia Bambrick and Jayla Ruffus-Milner (All-WCC Freshman Team).
Arrivals
Four freshmen and a transfer make up head coach Kristen Dowling’s first recruiting class.
Kendyl Carson: 6’0 guard, All-Alaska First Team as a senior, but won a Washington 3A state title her junior season
Isabel Montoya: 5’6 guard, Dowling said “her skill of being a pass-first point guard will complement the weapons we will have next season”
Jane Nwaba: 5’10 forward, “her tenacity on the defensive end and unwavering presence on the boards will put a stamp on what we hope our style of play to be” (Dowling)
Rosemary Odebunni: 6’1 forward out of Sierra Canyon High School (No. 6 in California), Dowling thinks Pepperdine is “going to be better because of ”
Eligible with waiver:
Becky Obinma: 6’3 center, announced transfer from TCU in April. Redshirt freshman season averages: 1.6 points, 1.9 rebounds (5.6 minutes)