FORT WORTH, Texas – Pepperdine women's soccer (0-1), who received votes in the preseason top-25 poll, dropped the season opener to nationally-ranked No. 9 TCU (1-0) Thursday night at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium.
Kyra Murphy had the lone goal for the Waves assisted by
Tatum Wynalda.
To kickoff the game, as the Waves sought to find rhythm in the opening minutes, TCU struck early, scoring twice in the first nine minutes to take an early 2-0 lead.
Two more before the half gave the Horned Frogs a 4-0 lead over the Waves with 45 left to play.
Avoiding a shutout, Wynalda found Murphy on a cross into the box in the 56th minute to get the donut off the board for the Waves as they trailed 4-1.
The home team tacked two more on before the final whistle blew as Pepperdine fell 6-1.
Moving to 3-1 all-time against the Horned Frogs, this is the Waves first loss against a ranked opponent since 2023, having posted a 2-0-1 record against top-25 teams last season.
Those who made their collegiate debut tonight include
Ariana Markey,
Brooke Gath,
Victoria Alessandrini,
Ava Schall,
Sarah Spears,
Bella Larson, and
Layla Simon.
Next up, Pepperdine welcomes Hawai'i to Malibu for the home opener Sunday. First kick is slated for 12 p.m. with a ring ceremony at 11:45 a.m. to honor the 2024 team who brought home the WCC championship. There will also be Kona Ice available for the first 100 fans in attendance, served in commemorable 2024 WCC championship cups.
