Sunday, December 1
Long Beach, Calif.
2:00 PM
Long Beach State University
vs
Pepperdine
Photo by: John Fajardo
Long Beach State Women’s Basketball Returns To The Walter Pyramid To Host Pepperdine
11/30/2024 6:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Beach and the Waves play each other in a Sunday matinee at the Walter Pyramid
LONG BEACH STATE (2-3) vs. PEPPERDINE (4-2)
Sunday, December 1 • 2:00 p.m. • Long Beach, Calif. • Walter Pyramid
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Jason Schwartz & Devin Hudson
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
X: @LBSUWBB
Long Beach State Women's Basketball Returns To The Walter Pyramid To Host Pepperdine
After two weeks on the road, the Long Beach State Women's Basketball team returns to the Walter Pyramid on Sunday, Dec. 1 as the Beach host Pepperdine at 2 p.m.
Catch All the Action
All Long Beach State home games will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fans can also follow live stats via BeachLiveStats.com.
Staying Social
Follow Long Beach State women's basketball on Twitter and Instagram at
@LBSUWBB. You can also stay up-to-date on all things Long Beach State by following @LBSUAthletics on Twitter. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @LBSU. And don't forget our hashtag #GoBeach.
About the Beach
• Long Beach State Head Coach Amy Wright is back on the hardwood for her second season at the Beach after leading her squad to a Big West Semifinal appearance last season.
• This season, Wright brings back her entire staff of Brian Rosario, Jashae Lee, Raru Archer, and director of operations Brittany Klaman.
• In addition to the entire coaching staff returning, Long Beach State is welcoming back six letterwinners from a year ago, while adding eight talented newcomers to the mix.
• The Beach come into the game against Pepperdine with a 2-3 overall record.
• After having dropped their last two contests, the Beach are looking to get back on the winning track this weekend.
• Senior guard Savannah Tucker leads the Beach in scoring with 14.0 points per game. The product out of Fresno, Calif., turned in a career-high 29-point performance at Sacramento State on November 17. In addition to her hot shooting, Tucker also contributes 2.6 rebounds per game, while leading the team with 17 assists and 10 steals.
• Senior guard Patricia Chung has been solid thus far. She is averaging 10.8 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game, to go along with 11 assists, and six steals. She tallied a season-high 17-point showing at Toledo on Nov. 22.
• True freshman Mykelle Richards has been in the starting lineup for the last two games. On the year, she is averaging 8.6 points per game to go along with 3.6 rebounds per game. She is shooting 48.6% from the field as she has made 17-of-35 field goals.
• Graduate transfer Rachel Loobie wasted no time clicking with the Beach. The Indianapolis, Ind., native has started in all five games thus far and contributes 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game to go along with seven assists, six steals, and a team-leading four blocks.
• True freshman JaQuoia Jones-Brown has done an excellent job cleaning up the glass this season. In just five games, she is Long Beach State's leading rebounder with 5.2 boards per game. She also chips in 4.4 points per game.
• Sophomore forward Jada Crawshaw has started in three of four games in which she has played this season. The Darwin, Austrailia native contributes 9.5 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game, to go along with four steals and three blocks.
• In the Big West Preseason Coaches Poll, Long Beach State was picked to finish fourth in the standings. The Beach garnered 63 points to come in behind preseason favorite Hawaii (96 points, 6 first-place votes), second place UC Irvine (95 points, 5 first-place votes), and UC Davis (81 points).
Scouting Pepperdine
• Pepperdine brings a 4-2 record into the game against the Beach.
• The Waves have won their last three games defeating California Baptist (75-64), UC Riverside (55-52), and CSUN (84-58).
• During the non-conference season, Pepperdine has played four Big West schools and posted a 3-1 record against Big West competition.
• As a team, the Waves are averaging 63.8 points per game, while adding 35.2 rebounds per game.
• Pepperdine also averages 13.7 assists, 5.5 steals, and 4.8 blocks per game on the year.
• Omela Muca is the Waves' leading scorer with 11.5 points per game. She also adds 2.3 rebounds per game, while totaling seven assists and four steals.
• Makena Mastora's 4.8 rebounds per game is tops on the team. She also contributes 8.2 points per game, while tying for the team lead with 13 assists. Her six steals are good for second on the squad.
• Joining Mastora as the team's leader in assists is Megan Harkey. She also leads Pepperdine with 11 blocks on the year. In addition, she is also the Waves' second leading scorer with 9.8 points per game.
• With eight steals thus far, Ella Brubaker is the team's leader in steals. She is also tied as the team's second leading scorer with 9.8 points per game.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Waves
Long Beach State and Pepperdine will meet for the 19th time in program history. Overall, the Beach lead the all-time series 14-4. In their last meeting a year ago, Long Beach State defeated Pepperdine, 68-53, in Malibu. When playing each other in Long Beach, LBSU owns a 6-2 record.
Career Game
Senior guard Savannah Tucker had a career game last Sunday at Sacramento State. The product out of Fresno, Calif., didn't miss a beat as she sunk 9-of-15 field goals on her way to a career-best 29-point performance. Tucker was instrumental in leading Long Beach State to a thrilling 69-68 road victory against the Hornets. In addition to her potent offense, Tucker contributed on all sides of the ball racking up seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in the game. She is now leading the Beach with 14.0 points per game and 10 steals, which are good for fifth and seventh in The Big West, respectively.
Kay Yow Servant Leader
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund announced the launch of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award on Monday and Long Beach State's Lovely Sonnier was selected as one of 14 women's basketball student-athletes from across the country. The new award honors student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness, and service in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
The award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who carry it forward. It is presented annually to "student-athletes of great character who put the needs of others before their own, who uplift others, and who do it with humility and grace. Award winners demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact on their teams and in their communities. They are people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership."
Sonnier earned the award after spending much of her free time doing volunteer work at Miller Children's Hospital, Liaison for Long Beach State for The Big West "Tough Like Tammy" campaign, Los Altos Parks and Rec, and Jefferson Elementary School.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award as part of our ongoing mission to honor Coach Yow's legacy," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "This award highlights the kind of leadership that inspires hope, bring people together, and makes the world a better place. Just as Coach Yow did, we hope this recognition will inspire others to lead with compassion and purpose."
The recipients of the award were recognized by a special patch they will wear on their jerseys. Sonnier joins an impressive list of women's basketball student-athletes.
2024-25 Servant Leader Award Winners
Addison Martin, Illinois State
Allie Campbell, Penn State
Ashlyn Sheridan, Anderson University
Briauna Thompson, UNC-Asheville
Flau'jae Johnson, LSU
JoJo Lacey, Rutgers
Kennedi Jackson, Boston College
Lovely Sonnier, Long Beach State
Madison Hayes, NC State
Makayla Timpson, Florida State
Payton Dunbar, Virginia
Rayah Marshall, USC
Rylee Langerman, Oklahoma State
Samantha Osorio, Moravian University
Long Beach State Women's Basketball Partners With Team IMPACT To Sign Kayla Diaz
Long Beach State Women's Basketball is proud to partner with Team IMPACT as the Beach welcome 16-year-old cancer survivor Kayla to the 2024-25 roster.
"Welcoming Kayla to our Beach Family is a once in a lifetime experience," said Long Beach State Head Women's Basketball Coach Amy Wright. "Kayla brings a great perspective on living life each and every day to the fullest. Her family is wonderful as she has a great sense of what it is to be a great teammate. We look forward to this season with her on our team!"
Hailing from San Pedro, Calif., Kayla, who describes herself as "ambitious and strong," has gone through treatment for cancer twice. She is a very creative and loving person who has been so resilient throughout her medical journey.
Beach Women's Basketball is excited to have Kayla join the squad this season. Kayla is an inspiration to the team and LBSU is looking forward to having her on the sidelines. Her perseverance and ability to overcome challenges will bring added motivation to the Beach to accomplish their goals.
"Spending time with Kayla has been so much fun," said LBSU freshman center Haley Wright. "Her laugh is so contagious. I've loved watching her creative mind at work during the pumpkin painting activity. Her enthusiasm to shoot around with me and take fun photos has been so cool to see. I really hope to be able to spend more time with my new teammate and learn more about her in the coming years. I'm so excited to have Kayla on this incredible journey with us."
Welcome To The Beach
Long Beach State Women's Basketball Head Coach Amy Wright announced the addition of three players for the 2025-26 season. The Beach have inked freshmen Rosie Akot, Morgan Mack, and Brynna Pukis.
Rosie Akot | Fr. | Forward | 6-3 | Adelaide, South Australia | Sacred Heart College
Akot, who hails all the way from Adelaide, South Australia, joins the Beach for her freshman year in 2025-26. At Sacred Heart College, Akot was a two-time MVP. She also played for the Sturt Sabres Basketball Club as well as for the National Team U18 and U20 teams.
"I'm so excited to welcome Rosie to the Beach Family," said Wright. "Rosie has an instinct to attack the rim on offense and is a natural rebounder on both ends. She adds an immediate intensity to the game and the fans will see her passion to play every time she steps on the court."
Morgan Mack | Fr. | Guard | 5-10 | Palmdale, Calif. | Hart HS
Mack comes to Long Beach State after prepping at Hart High School where she was a four-year letterwinner. A three-time Foothill All-League selection, three-time All-State honoree, and a three-time Foothill League champion, Mack will finish her high school career as the leading scorer in Hart High School history. In addition, Mack also played for the U17 National Team, Power 24, and 805 Family Club team.
"Another blue-collar worker from California, Morgan is a three-level scorer that has a calmness and coolness about her when she plays," Wright explained. "She is mature beyond her year on the court. What I love the most about her is that she wants to be at Long Beach State and make a difference. She wants to help put this program back on top."
Brynna Pukis | Fr. | Guard | 5-6 | Snohomish, Wash. | Glacier Peak HS
Pukis will attend Long Beach State after competing as a four-year letter winner at Glacier Peak High School. While playing for the Grizzlies, she was named All-League First Team four years running. She averaged 14.0 points per game and recorded a career-high 26 points. Pukis also played for the Northwest Greyhounds 3SSB. She led her 15U team to a fourth-place finish at Nationals, before coming in fifth with 16U, and ninth with 17U.
"We are very excited to welcome Brynna to the Beach," said Wright. "Brynna is a great offensive weapon from the 3-point line that will consistently add to our perimeter threats next season. Brynna has a blue-collar work ethic, and we are excited to welcome her from the great Northwest."
Up Next
Long Beach State opens Big West action on Thursday, Dec. 5 against Cal State Fullerton. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Walter Pyramid.The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Sunday, December 1 • 2:00 p.m. • Long Beach, Calif. • Walter Pyramid
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Jason Schwartz & Devin Hudson
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
X: @LBSUWBB
Long Beach State Women's Basketball Returns To The Walter Pyramid To Host Pepperdine
After two weeks on the road, the Long Beach State Women's Basketball team returns to the Walter Pyramid on Sunday, Dec. 1 as the Beach host Pepperdine at 2 p.m.
Catch All the Action
All Long Beach State home games will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fans can also follow live stats via BeachLiveStats.com.
Staying Social
Follow Long Beach State women's basketball on Twitter and Instagram at
@LBSUWBB. You can also stay up-to-date on all things Long Beach State by following @LBSUAthletics on Twitter. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @LBSU. And don't forget our hashtag #GoBeach.
About the Beach
• Long Beach State Head Coach Amy Wright is back on the hardwood for her second season at the Beach after leading her squad to a Big West Semifinal appearance last season.
• This season, Wright brings back her entire staff of Brian Rosario, Jashae Lee, Raru Archer, and director of operations Brittany Klaman.
• In addition to the entire coaching staff returning, Long Beach State is welcoming back six letterwinners from a year ago, while adding eight talented newcomers to the mix.
• The Beach come into the game against Pepperdine with a 2-3 overall record.
• After having dropped their last two contests, the Beach are looking to get back on the winning track this weekend.
• Senior guard Savannah Tucker leads the Beach in scoring with 14.0 points per game. The product out of Fresno, Calif., turned in a career-high 29-point performance at Sacramento State on November 17. In addition to her hot shooting, Tucker also contributes 2.6 rebounds per game, while leading the team with 17 assists and 10 steals.
• Senior guard Patricia Chung has been solid thus far. She is averaging 10.8 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game, to go along with 11 assists, and six steals. She tallied a season-high 17-point showing at Toledo on Nov. 22.
• True freshman Mykelle Richards has been in the starting lineup for the last two games. On the year, she is averaging 8.6 points per game to go along with 3.6 rebounds per game. She is shooting 48.6% from the field as she has made 17-of-35 field goals.
• Graduate transfer Rachel Loobie wasted no time clicking with the Beach. The Indianapolis, Ind., native has started in all five games thus far and contributes 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game to go along with seven assists, six steals, and a team-leading four blocks.
• True freshman JaQuoia Jones-Brown has done an excellent job cleaning up the glass this season. In just five games, she is Long Beach State's leading rebounder with 5.2 boards per game. She also chips in 4.4 points per game.
• Sophomore forward Jada Crawshaw has started in three of four games in which she has played this season. The Darwin, Austrailia native contributes 9.5 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game, to go along with four steals and three blocks.
• In the Big West Preseason Coaches Poll, Long Beach State was picked to finish fourth in the standings. The Beach garnered 63 points to come in behind preseason favorite Hawaii (96 points, 6 first-place votes), second place UC Irvine (95 points, 5 first-place votes), and UC Davis (81 points).
Scouting Pepperdine
• Pepperdine brings a 4-2 record into the game against the Beach.
• The Waves have won their last three games defeating California Baptist (75-64), UC Riverside (55-52), and CSUN (84-58).
• During the non-conference season, Pepperdine has played four Big West schools and posted a 3-1 record against Big West competition.
• As a team, the Waves are averaging 63.8 points per game, while adding 35.2 rebounds per game.
• Pepperdine also averages 13.7 assists, 5.5 steals, and 4.8 blocks per game on the year.
• Omela Muca is the Waves' leading scorer with 11.5 points per game. She also adds 2.3 rebounds per game, while totaling seven assists and four steals.
• Makena Mastora's 4.8 rebounds per game is tops on the team. She also contributes 8.2 points per game, while tying for the team lead with 13 assists. Her six steals are good for second on the squad.
• Joining Mastora as the team's leader in assists is Megan Harkey. She also leads Pepperdine with 11 blocks on the year. In addition, she is also the Waves' second leading scorer with 9.8 points per game.
• With eight steals thus far, Ella Brubaker is the team's leader in steals. She is also tied as the team's second leading scorer with 9.8 points per game.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Waves
Long Beach State and Pepperdine will meet for the 19th time in program history. Overall, the Beach lead the all-time series 14-4. In their last meeting a year ago, Long Beach State defeated Pepperdine, 68-53, in Malibu. When playing each other in Long Beach, LBSU owns a 6-2 record.
Career Game
Senior guard Savannah Tucker had a career game last Sunday at Sacramento State. The product out of Fresno, Calif., didn't miss a beat as she sunk 9-of-15 field goals on her way to a career-best 29-point performance. Tucker was instrumental in leading Long Beach State to a thrilling 69-68 road victory against the Hornets. In addition to her potent offense, Tucker contributed on all sides of the ball racking up seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in the game. She is now leading the Beach with 14.0 points per game and 10 steals, which are good for fifth and seventh in The Big West, respectively.
Kay Yow Servant Leader
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund announced the launch of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award on Monday and Long Beach State's Lovely Sonnier was selected as one of 14 women's basketball student-athletes from across the country. The new award honors student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness, and service in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
The award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who carry it forward. It is presented annually to "student-athletes of great character who put the needs of others before their own, who uplift others, and who do it with humility and grace. Award winners demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact on their teams and in their communities. They are people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership."
Sonnier earned the award after spending much of her free time doing volunteer work at Miller Children's Hospital, Liaison for Long Beach State for The Big West "Tough Like Tammy" campaign, Los Altos Parks and Rec, and Jefferson Elementary School.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award as part of our ongoing mission to honor Coach Yow's legacy," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "This award highlights the kind of leadership that inspires hope, bring people together, and makes the world a better place. Just as Coach Yow did, we hope this recognition will inspire others to lead with compassion and purpose."
The recipients of the award were recognized by a special patch they will wear on their jerseys. Sonnier joins an impressive list of women's basketball student-athletes.
2024-25 Servant Leader Award Winners
Addison Martin, Illinois State
Allie Campbell, Penn State
Ashlyn Sheridan, Anderson University
Briauna Thompson, UNC-Asheville
Flau'jae Johnson, LSU
JoJo Lacey, Rutgers
Kennedi Jackson, Boston College
Lovely Sonnier, Long Beach State
Madison Hayes, NC State
Makayla Timpson, Florida State
Payton Dunbar, Virginia
Rayah Marshall, USC
Rylee Langerman, Oklahoma State
Samantha Osorio, Moravian University
Long Beach State Women's Basketball Partners With Team IMPACT To Sign Kayla Diaz
Long Beach State Women's Basketball is proud to partner with Team IMPACT as the Beach welcome 16-year-old cancer survivor Kayla to the 2024-25 roster.
"Welcoming Kayla to our Beach Family is a once in a lifetime experience," said Long Beach State Head Women's Basketball Coach Amy Wright. "Kayla brings a great perspective on living life each and every day to the fullest. Her family is wonderful as she has a great sense of what it is to be a great teammate. We look forward to this season with her on our team!"
Hailing from San Pedro, Calif., Kayla, who describes herself as "ambitious and strong," has gone through treatment for cancer twice. She is a very creative and loving person who has been so resilient throughout her medical journey.
Beach Women's Basketball is excited to have Kayla join the squad this season. Kayla is an inspiration to the team and LBSU is looking forward to having her on the sidelines. Her perseverance and ability to overcome challenges will bring added motivation to the Beach to accomplish their goals.
"Spending time with Kayla has been so much fun," said LBSU freshman center Haley Wright. "Her laugh is so contagious. I've loved watching her creative mind at work during the pumpkin painting activity. Her enthusiasm to shoot around with me and take fun photos has been so cool to see. I really hope to be able to spend more time with my new teammate and learn more about her in the coming years. I'm so excited to have Kayla on this incredible journey with us."
Welcome To The Beach
Long Beach State Women's Basketball Head Coach Amy Wright announced the addition of three players for the 2025-26 season. The Beach have inked freshmen Rosie Akot, Morgan Mack, and Brynna Pukis.
Rosie Akot | Fr. | Forward | 6-3 | Adelaide, South Australia | Sacred Heart College
Akot, who hails all the way from Adelaide, South Australia, joins the Beach for her freshman year in 2025-26. At Sacred Heart College, Akot was a two-time MVP. She also played for the Sturt Sabres Basketball Club as well as for the National Team U18 and U20 teams.
"I'm so excited to welcome Rosie to the Beach Family," said Wright. "Rosie has an instinct to attack the rim on offense and is a natural rebounder on both ends. She adds an immediate intensity to the game and the fans will see her passion to play every time she steps on the court."
Morgan Mack | Fr. | Guard | 5-10 | Palmdale, Calif. | Hart HS
Mack comes to Long Beach State after prepping at Hart High School where she was a four-year letterwinner. A three-time Foothill All-League selection, three-time All-State honoree, and a three-time Foothill League champion, Mack will finish her high school career as the leading scorer in Hart High School history. In addition, Mack also played for the U17 National Team, Power 24, and 805 Family Club team.
"Another blue-collar worker from California, Morgan is a three-level scorer that has a calmness and coolness about her when she plays," Wright explained. "She is mature beyond her year on the court. What I love the most about her is that she wants to be at Long Beach State and make a difference. She wants to help put this program back on top."
Brynna Pukis | Fr. | Guard | 5-6 | Snohomish, Wash. | Glacier Peak HS
Pukis will attend Long Beach State after competing as a four-year letter winner at Glacier Peak High School. While playing for the Grizzlies, she was named All-League First Team four years running. She averaged 14.0 points per game and recorded a career-high 26 points. Pukis also played for the Northwest Greyhounds 3SSB. She led her 15U team to a fourth-place finish at Nationals, before coming in fifth with 16U, and ninth with 17U.
"We are very excited to welcome Brynna to the Beach," said Wright. "Brynna is a great offensive weapon from the 3-point line that will consistently add to our perimeter threats next season. Brynna has a blue-collar work ethic, and we are excited to welcome her from the great Northwest."
Up Next
Long Beach State opens Big West action on Thursday, Dec. 5 against Cal State Fullerton. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Walter Pyramid.The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
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