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Matthies Earns 500th Win with Waves Women's Volleyball

Pepperdine women's volleyball coach Nina Matthies earned career win number 500 on Friday as her 19th-ranked Waves defeated Seattle, 25-15, 25-20, 25-16, on the first night of the Pepperdine Asics Classic in Firestone Fieldhouse.

"I don't really pay attention to these kinds of things," said Matthies, who is in her 27th season as head coach. "I think it means that we've had a very strong program over the years. We've had a lot of really good talent and I've had the help of a lot of good coaches. That's what it means, that we've had some really great people here at Pepperdine. I've always been proud to be part of this program."

Sophomore libero Stevi Robinson keyed a defensive effort that held Seattle to .093 hitting, as she collected a match-high 19 digs to go with a match-best three service aces.

The Waves hit .272 as a team, led by 13 kills from sophomore outside hitter Lilla Frederick and 33 assists from senior setter Kiah Fiers.

"I thought we were a little sloppy tonight," Matthies said. "The kids said they were trying to make it exciting for me, but I don't need that. Between games two and three we talked to them and they came out better. We're getting where we need to be."

Seattle led 1-0 in each of the three sets, but those would be the only three leads that the Redhawks would enjoy all night.

The Waves used the momentum from the 500th win for Matthies to propel them through the bracket to the tournament final. There, The No. 19-ranked Pepperdine team claimed the title of its own Pepperdine Asics Classic after persevering through a 25-22, 25-22, 26-24 win over UC Riverside. Robinson was named the tournament MVP, with a match-high 18 digs.

Find out more about the 2009-10 Waves Womens' Volleyball team at www.pepperdinesports.com