Pepperdine Men’s Volleyball Opens Conference Play with Historic Season on the Horizon
Malibu, Calif. – The Pepperdine Waves (5-2) begin Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) play tonight against the Vanguard Lions, marking the first-ever matchup between the two teams. This contest at Firestone Fieldhouse isn’t just another game. it’s a stepping stone in what promises to be a landmark season for Pepperdine men’s volleyball.
Recent Success Fuels Championship Aspirations
The Waves are coming off a decisive sweep of No. 16 CSUN, where Cole Hartke dominated with 18.5 points and a .667 hitting percentage. Ethan Watson as well made a significant impact in his first start of the season, leading the team with five blocks. This victory builds on a strong start to the season and reinforces Pepperdine’s position as a contender.
A New Era for Pepperdine Volleyball
Pepperdine was projected to finish second in the MPSF, receiving four first-place votes, just behind UCLA. This season is particularly significant as it’s the 56th and final season at Firestone Fieldhouse. Next year, the program will move to the new Mountain at Mullin Park, a state-of-the-art 3,600-seat arena featuring a 360-degree high-definition scoreboard and enhanced facilities.
National Recognition and Talent Abound
The Waves boast a roster filled with All-Americans, including Ryan Barnett, James Eadie, Cole Hartke, and Jacob Reilly. Several players also gained valuable experience with national teams this summer. Barnett and Reilly competed in the Pan American Cup, while Hartke earned a bronze medal at the FIVB World Championship with the U21 team – a first for a USA team. Hartke currently leads the nation in points per set with 6.2/set.
Redshirt freshman Grant Lamoureux, named Junior Male Indoor Athlete of the Year, is also poised to make an impact. Transfer Ford Harman, a silver medalist at the 2025 Men’s Beach Collegiate Challenge, adds further depth to the team.
International Flavor and Coaching Excellence
The Pepperdine squad features players from Cuba, Serbia, and Switzerland, bringing a diverse range of experience and perspectives. Head Coach Jonathan Winder, an alum of the program, led the Waves to the NCAA Final Four in 2025 and an MPSF title last year – the program’s first since 2019.
Scouting the Vanguard Lions
Vanguard enters the game with a 3-6 record and is seeking their first MPSF win. They were recently swept by No. 1 UCLA. Grant Veldman leads the Lions offensively, while Logan Freemon contributes defensively with a team-leading 45 digs.
Game Details and How to Watch
First serve is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. PST and can be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required). Live stats will be available on pepperdinewaves.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of this game? This is the first-ever matchup between Pepperdine and Vanguard in men’s volleyball.
- Where will Pepperdine play next season? The Waves will move to the Mountain at Mullin Park for the 2026-27 season.
- Who are some key players to watch for Pepperdine? Cole Hartke, Ryan Barnett, James Eadie, and Jacob Reilly are all All-Americans to watch.
- How can I watch the game? The game can be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required).
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Cole Hartke – he’s currently leading the nation in points per set and is a dominant force on the court.
Stay up-to-date on the latest Pepperdine men’s volleyball news by following @PepperdineMVB_ on social media.
Want to learn more about Pepperdine Athletics? Visit pepperdinewaves.com to explore schedules, news, and ticket information.
