A Comprehensive Recap: The 18th Edition of Bear Beats
January 8 – January 15, 2024: A Week in Review
Welcome, sports enthusiasts, to an in-depth recap of the 18th edition of Bear Beats, a week that witnessed WashU’s athletic teams showcase their prowess on various fronts. From the hardwood to the pool, the track, and beyond, our Bears left an indelible mark, delivering thrilling victories, showcasing resilience, and etching their names in the annals of WashU sports history.
Men’s Basketball: A Triumphant Start to the UAA Season
The men’s basketball team, ranked 14th in the nation, lived up to their billing, securing two resounding victories in their UAA matchups, propelling them to a remarkable 12-2 overall record and a solid 2-1 mark in conference play.
In their first encounter, the Bears faced off against the then 23rd-ranked Emory University Eagles. In a hard-fought battle, WashU emerged victorious with an 85-81 triumph. Junior Kyle Beedon led the scoring charge with an impressive 20 points, while junior Drake Kindsvater showcased his versatility with a near double-double, contributing 19 points and nine rebounds. Junior Hayden Doyle also made his presence felt, adding 17 points and six assists to the winning effort.
On Sunday, the Bears took on the University of Rochester Yellowjackets in a nail-biting contest that stretched into overtime. With nerves of steel, WashU ultimately prevailed with a thrilling 80-79 victory. Sophomore Calvin Kapral shone brightly, leading the team in scoring with a game-high 21 points. Kindsvater continued his impressive form, recording 18 points and nine rebounds. Beedon chipped in with 12 points, while sophomore Yogi Oliff earned a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Women’s Basketball: Navigating Close Contests in UAA Play
The women’s basketball team faced a challenging week, enduring two close UAA contests against formidable opponents. While they ultimately fell short in both games, their resilience and determination were evident throughout.
In their first matchup, the Bears faced off against the then sixth-ranked Emory University Eagles. Despite a valiant effort, WashU narrowly lost by three points, halting their five-game winning streak. Senior Jessica Brooks led the team with a solid performance, contributing 18 points and nine rebounds. Junior Brenna Loftus also made a significant impact, recording 15 points and seven rebounds. First year Catherine Goodwin added 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to the team’s tally.
On Sunday, the Bears faced another tough opponent in the University of Rochester Yellowjackets. The game remained close throughout, with WashU ultimately falling by a narrow 75-71 margin. First year Sidney Rogers had a career-high performance, scoring 21 points. First year Lexy Harris also had a strong showing, contributing 20 points and five rebounds. Brooks once again displayed her all-around skills, recording a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Goodwin added 10 points and six rebounds to the team’s total.
Men’s Track and Field: Returning to Action with Notable Victories
The men’s track and field team made a triumphant return to competition at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, securing victories in four of the 15 scored events.
Senior Alex Djetto showcased his speed and endurance, winning the 400-meter race with a time of 51.25 seconds. Sophomore James Corbett dominated the 800-meter event, crossing the finish line in 1:56.47, leaving his competitors in his wake. The Bears’ 4 x 400 relay team, comprised of first year Alex Gardner, first year William Frohling, graduate student Jackson Cox, and Djetto, displayed exceptional teamwork and coordination, securing the victory with a time of 3:23.30. Sophomore George Bourdier soared to victory in the pole vault event, clearing an impressive height of 4.80 meters.
No. 10 Men’s Swimming and Diving: A Weekend of Mixed Results
The No. 10 men’s swimming and diving team experienced a weekend of contrasting fortunes, emerging victorious against UMSL but falling to McKendree.
In their matchup against UMSL on Friday, the Bears demonstrated their dominance, securing a 130.00-75.00 victory. The 200 medley relay team, consisting of senior Alex McCormick, junior Justin Rockaway, junior Nathan Lin, and senior Austin Bick, set the tone with a commanding win, clocking in at 1:33.74. Sophomore Ethan Feng claimed the 200 freestyle event with a time of 1:42.54, while Bick secured the 50 freestyle victory in 21.30 seconds. Feng continued his winning streak, taking the 100 freestyle event in 47.15 seconds. Senior Kyle Wolford topped the 100 backstroke field, finishing in a time of 50.77 seconds. Sophomore Orluke Borjigin demonstrated his endurance in the 500 freestyle, securing the win with a time of 4:44.13.
On Saturday, the Bears faced a formidable opponent in McKendree, ultimately falling by a score of 178.00-102.00. Despite the loss, Feng once again showcased his versatility, winning the 200 freestyle event in a time of 1:41.66. Junior Danny Sibley claimed the 400 IM title with a mark of 4:04.15. The team of Feng, Rockaway, Lin, and Bick secured victory in the 200 freestyle relay, finishing in 1:24.84.
Upcoming Fixtures: A Look Ahead
As the Bears prepare for the upcoming week, here’s a glimpse into their upcoming fixtures:
Women’s Track and Field:
* The Bears will embark on a journey to Bloomington, Illinois, to participate in Illinois Wesleyan University’s I-55 Triangular on Saturday, January 20.
Men’s Track and Field:
* WashU will make a short trip to Bloomington, Illinois, to compete in IWU’s annual I-55 Triangular on Saturday, January 20.
Women’s Basketball:
* The Bears will continue their UAA campaign with a pair of road games this week.
* On Friday, January 19, they will face New York University in New York City, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET.
* On Sunday, January 21, they will travel to Brandeis University for a 2:00 p.m. ET matchup.
Men’s Basketball:
* WashU will also compete in two road UAA games this week.
* The Bears will begin their road trip with a contest against NYU on Friday, January 19, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.
* On Sunday, January 21, they will head to Waltham, Massachusetts, to face Brandeis University, with tip-off set for 12:00 p.m. ET.
Men’s Swimming and Diving:
* The Bears will continue their season with a road dual match against DePauw University on Saturday, January 20. The meet is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
Women’s Swimming and Diving:
* The Bears will travel to Greencastle, Indiana, for a dual match against DePauw University on Saturday, January 20. The meet is set to start at 1:00 p.m.
Prepare to witness another week of captivating athleticism as our Bears aim to leave their mark on the UAA and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage of WashU’s sporting achievements.