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For the first time in its program history, Pepperdine will not make the men’s volleyball MPSF Tournament.
The Pepperdine athletics department announced Thursday that its men’s volleyball team and two other spring sports would be ineligible for the postseason this year because the department improperly administered financial aid to players on the team.
“This was entirely an administrative matter,”athletics director Steve Potts stated in a press release. “It is most unfortunate and regrettable. We are committed to maintaining a culture of complete compliance and accountability in regard to NCAA regulations.”
Potts also stated the athletics department will work closely with the affected athletes to determine the best course of future action.
The Waves stated they contacted the NCAA after discovering the error and are in the process of rectifying the issue. The school also announced it will review all of its athletics compliance processes.
With six matches remaining, Pepperdine (8-12, 4-12 MPSF) is in ninth place in the MPSF — three-and-half matches behind No. 4 UCLA for the final spot in the conference tournament. The Waves entered the season ranked in the top five of the preseason coaches poll and had never missed the MPSF Tournament since joining the conference in 1993.
Pepperdine coach Marv Dunphy was unavailable for immediate comment because he is traveling with his team to Stockton, Calif., for a conference match against Pacific on Friday.
Along with men’s volleyball, the Pepperdine men’s tennis and baseball teams will not participate in the postseason this season.