MALIBU, California – Pepperdine Athletics' broad-based success over the past year was on full display at the annual student-athlete awards ceremony on Sunday night as 10 different programs were recognized over the course of the evening.
 
Dubbed the "PEPP Espys", the event was put on by student-athletes and held in Elkins Auditorium. Nikki Lyons of the women's volleyball team and Chris Dilworth of the men's water polo team were the primary hosts for the evening.
 
The five traditional awards went to Jenna Tunnell of indoor and beach volleyball (Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year), Nick Heath of cross country and track (Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year), Skylar Caputo of beach volleyball (Female Wave of the Year), Chris Dilworth of water polo (Male Wave of the Year) and Megan House of women's basketball (Maurice Hilliard Award).
 
The Maurice Hilliard Award, given in honor and memory of Pepperdine's late athletic chaplain, goes to a student-athlete that exemplifies the attributes of Christian faith, character and leadership. The Wave of the Year, presented by Pepperdine's Waves Leadership Council, honors student-athletes for outstanding contributions in spirit and service to the athletics program and the university community.
 
In addition, the Waves recognized outgoing University President Andrew Benton and his wife Debby for their years or support to the department and all student-athletes.
 
Student-athletes, coaches and staff voted on the remainder of the awards, which are all in their fifth year of existence. They cover events held over the last 12 months, dating back to April 2018. Here were those winners:
 
Female Athlete in a Starring Role: Ashley Lahey, women's tennis
Male Athlete in a Starring Role: Colbey Ross, men's basketball
Female Athlete in a Supporting Role: Barbara Sitanggan, women's basketball
Male Athlete in a Supporting Role: Jonathan Pendergast, baseball
Female Breakout Athlete of the Year: Shannon Scully, women's indoor volleyball
Male Breakout Athlete of the Year: Clay Feagler, men's golf
Female Newcomer of the Year: Isabel Nelson, women's soccer
Male Newcomer of the Year: Kessler Edwards, men's basketball
Best Moment of the Year: women's volleyball winning four matches away from home in six days, post-Woolsey Fire, to clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament
Best Upset of the Year: women's tennis