Oct. 20, 2004
MALIBU, Calif. - This year's senior class knows what it takes to win. Having compiled a 59-32 record and advanced to the post-season each of the last three years, the 2004-05 Pepperdine women's basketball team will look to its seniors for leadership as the team seeks to turn the tide and claim its first post-season victory since the 1978-79 season.
Under the direction of newly named Head Coach Julie Rousseau, the Waves will look to continue a trend which has seen the bringing home of four of the last six West Coast Conference (WCC) titles as well as advancing to the post season in each of the last five seasons.
"We will play hard," notes Rousseau. "It will be an exciting brand of basketball, one that is up-tempo yet versatile and one that will play really tough, aggressive defense."
Rousseau accepts the pressure of maintaining a winning program with lots of energy and high expectations.
"I really don't see it as pressure," says Rousseau. "I see it as an opportunity. I actually believe that the level of success isn't as high as I want to go. The level of success has been great in the past, but I think it's now my job to take the torch and not only sustain what has been done, but also to take it to another level."
This year's team returns four seniors; Shanell Law, Kelli Spencer, Syreeta Stafford and Jennifer Lacy. This quartet will have to maintain its leadership to keep the team focused if it is going to make a run toward a sixth-consecutive post-season appearance.
Lacy, Law and Spencer all averaged over 20 minutes per game as juniors and will be the backbone of this year's team.
Lacy will be the focal point of Pepperdine's strength in the middle. The 6-foot 3-inch Agoura Hills, Calif., native returns at forward after earning all-conference honorable mention a year ago. But competition for playing time at the forward position will be fierce.
"We should be impressive in the paint," says Rousseau. "With [Lacy], [Kelly] Greathouse, Teiosha [George] and Jasmine [Clarendon], our height and athleticism may pose problems for our opponents."
Lacy averaged 20.4 minutes per game as a junior, while averaging almost nine points per contest and 24 blocks. Greathouse put up similar numbers averaging 6.7 points with 22 blocks in 30 games.
"I am extreamly optimistic about the play from out young posts," comments Rousseau. "Teiosha George and Jasmine Clarendon will make major contributions in our efforts."
Rousseau is looking to the interior to spark the offense and initiate the transition game.
Stafford will run the point. The 5-6 Torrance, Calif. native will play for the first time in the blue and orange after sitting out last season to fulfill transfer requirements.
"We are expecting a lot from Syreeta," said Rousseau. "But I know she will show great leadership and run our team efficiently and effectively. She has awaited the opportunity to play again and she will not disappoint."
Law and Spencer will open things up on the blocks from the outside. The 5-9 Law averaged 9.5 points per game a year ago and hit almost 40 percent from beyond the three-point arc in conference play, while Spencer hit on 33 percent of her shots in averaging almost five points a contest.
"We expect the experience and leadership that Shanell and Kelli possess to be an integral part in the success of our team," comments Rousseau.
Rousseau will also get valuable playing time from junior Kelsey Ball who will be called on to play significant minutes. Sophomore Lauren Wenski brings excellent shooting ability, while freshman Shannon Johnson and Daphanie Kennedy will be tested by fire.
"I believe that the talent we have on our roster will allow us to be versatile and able to match up with the teams on our schedule. I expect everybody to contribute their God-Given talents to our efforts," said Rousseau.
While on paper this team seems ready to reclaim its title of conference champions, there are some obstacles that will have to be overcome.
This year's team is not deep. With only 11 players on the roster, underclassmen will be counted on to make an immediate impact.
"This team is loaded with athleticism," notes Rousseau. "That, along with our height will be our greatest strengths."
The team's athleticism should help when players need to rest as almost everyone on the team can play multiple positions successfully.
The team will have to be ready to hit the ground running once the season gets underway as it opens play on the road against Fresno State and Kansas State.
The team will then return home for the Four Points LAX Surf N' Slam Shootout where Cal State Fullerton, Montana and East Carolina will all compete against the Waves for the tournament title.
Pepperdine will also set its sights on the Pac-10 by playing Stanford, UCLA and could meet up with Cal at the Contra Costal Times Invitational. Before closing out non-conference play at the Tulane Tournament in New Orleans, one final home tournament is on the slate in the Hilton Woodland Hills Beach Classic. The tournament should be a great test of the team's development as Vanderbilt, BYU and Wright State are in the field.
"We have a nice, competitive schedule," says Rousseau. "We host two tournaments and would love to have everyone come out and support us. Those are actually our only four preseason home games. We wanted a tough non-conference schedule because it will help us better prepare for conference play and beyond.
"In my first year as head coach at Pepperdine University, my goal is to establish a program that builds character in each of our players, has a tireless work ethic and is competitive in every aspect of the game," notes Rousseau. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach fine young women who all aspire to be their very best. From our freshmen to our seniors, we expect to utilize all of our talented players throughout the season.
"We are one, and we cannot achieve any of our goals without the commitment to excellence by every coach and team member."
