A Strong Start to the 2026 Campaign
The Pepperdine women's soccer squad opened its 2026 schedule with a 3-1 victory over Colgate, a performance that left head coach Tim Ward smiling as he watched his team execute the game plan he has been shaping for months.
Julia Quinonez was the offensive catalyst, finding the net twice and finishing with five shots, eight of which were on target, while Kate Ryan celebrated her first collegiate goal, adding a timely strike that stretched the lead.
The defensive unit also impressed, with Jillian Medvecky making a crucial save to preserve the advantage, and the team outshot Colgate 14-4, underscoring the disparity in quality.
Fresh Faces Make Their Mark
Five freshmen stepped onto the collegiate pitch for the first time, each contributing to the win and giving the coaching staff a glimpse of depth that could prove vital as the season unfolds.
The early triumph sets a positive tone for a schedule that will soon test the Waves against familiar West Coast rivals, beginning with a Sunday afternoon clash against USC that will also feature a fan reunion for alumni and academy members.
Looking Forward
With a blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers, Pepperdine aims to build on the momentum generated by the opening win, hoping to translate early success into a campaign that could see them back among the nation's top programs, a status they have flirted with in the past with 14 NCAA tournament appearances and five West Coast Conference titles under Ward's guidance.