The Bear Beats: A Comprehensive Overview of WashU Athletics (January 8-15, 2024)
Men’s Basketball: A Triumphant Week on the Court
The Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) men’s basketball team, currently ranked 14th in the nation, enjoyed a successful week, securing two crucial victories in the University Athletic Association (UAA) conference. Their impressive performance extended their overall record to 12-2, with a 2-1 standing in the UAA.
A Thrilling Victory Over Emory University
On Friday, January 12, the Bears faced off against the then 23rd-ranked Emory University Eagles in a highly anticipated matchup. The contest proved to be a nail-biter, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess. However, WashU ultimately emerged victorious, securing an 85-81 win.
Junior Kyle Beedon led the scoring charge for the Bears, contributing a team-high 20 points. He was ably supported by fellow junior Drake Kindsvater, who narrowly missed out on a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds. Junior Hayden Doyle also made significant contributions, adding 17 points and six assists to the team’s tally.
A Hard-Fought Overtime Win Against the University of Rochester
The following Sunday, January 14, the Bears faced another formidable opponent in the University of Rochester Yellowjackets. The game was a tense affair, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. As the clock ticked down, the score remained tied, forcing the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the tension intensified as both teams battled for the win. With just five seconds remaining, WashU had the ball but turned it over, giving Rochester a chance to secure the victory. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Doyle blocked the game-winning field goal attempt as time expired, preserving the Bears’ 80-79 triumph.
Sophomore Calvin Kapral emerged as the leading scorer for WashU in this contest, pouring in a game-high 21 points. Kindsvater continued his impressive form, recording 18 points and nine rebounds, while Beedon added 12 points to the team’s total. Sophomore Yogi Oliff also contributed a double-double, tallying 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Women’s Basketball: Facing Adversity with Resilience
The WashU women’s basketball team encountered a challenging week, dropping two close UAA contests. Their record now stands at 8-6 overall and 1-2 in the conference.
A Narrow Defeat to Emory University
In their first game of the week, the Bears faced off against the then sixth-ranked Emory Eagles, who entered the game on a five-game winning streak. Despite a valiant effort, WashU ultimately fell short, losing by a mere three points.
Senior Jessica Brooks led the scoring for the Bears, contributing a team-high 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.
A Close Loss to the University of Rochester
On Sunday, January 14, the Bears faced another tough opponent in the University of Rochester Yellowjackets. The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the contest. However, Rochester ultimately emerged victorious with a narrow 75-71 win.
First-year Sidney Rogers had a breakout performance for WashU, notching a career-high 21 points. First-year Lexy Harris also contributed 20 points and five rebounds, while Brooks recorded 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: A Strong Showing at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
The WashU men’s track and field program returned to action at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, showcasing their athleticism and determination. Out of 15 scored events, the Bears emerged victorious in four.
Senior Alex Djetto claimed the top spot in the 400-meter race, crossing the finish line in a time of 51.25 seconds. Sophomore James Corbett dominated the field in the 800-meter event, securing victory with a time of 1:56.47. The Bears’ 4×400 relay team, consisting of first-year Alex Gardner, first-year William Frohling, graduate student Jackson Cox, and Djetto, also secured a win with a time of 3:23.30. Additionally, sophomore George Bourdier triumphed in the pole vault event, clearing a height of 4.80 meters.
No. 10 Men’s Swimming and Diving: A Weekend of Mixed Results
The No. 10 WashU men’s swimming and diving team returned to the pool with a busy weekend of competition, facing off against the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) and McKendree University.
A Convincing Victory Over UMSL
The Bears kicked off their weekend with a resounding 130.00-75.00 victory over UMSL. The team’s success was highlighted by several impressive performances. The 200-meter medley relay team, composed of senior Alex McCormick, junior Justin Rockaway, junior Nathan Lin, and senior Austin Bick, secured the win with a time of 1:33.74. Sophomore Ethan Feng claimed the top spot in the 200-freestyle event, touching the wall in 1:42.54. Bick added to the team’s success with a victory in the 50-freestyle, clocking in at 21.30 seconds. Feng also triumphed in the 100-freestyle event, finishing with a time of 47.15 seconds. Senior Kyle Wolford dominated the 100-backstroke field, securing victory in 50.77 seconds. Sophomore Orluke Borjigin rounded out the Bears’ individual wins with a victory in the 500-freestyle, completing the race in 4:44.13.
A Tough Loss to McKendree University
The following day, the Bears faced a formidable opponent in McKendree University, ultimately falling to the Bearcats by a score of 178.00-102.00. Despite the loss, Feng continued his strong performances, winning the 200-freestyle event with a time of 1:41.66. Junior Danny Sibley claimed the top spot in the 400-individual medley, finishing in 4:04.15. The Bears’ 200-freestyle relay team, consisting of Feng, Rockaway, Lin, and Bick, also secured a victory with a time of 1:24.84.
Upcoming Schedule: A Week of Road Battles
The WashU athletic teams are set for a week of road games and competitions, with several exciting matchups on the horizon.
Women’s Track and Field: Competing at Illinois Wesleyan University
The women’s track and field team will travel to Bloomington, Illinois, to participate in Illinois Wesleyan University’s I-55 Triangular meet on Saturday, January 20. The event will take place at the Shirk Center Indoor Track.
Men’s Track and Field: Action at Illinois Wesleyan University
The men’s track and field team will also make the trip to Bloomington, Illinois, to compete in the annual I-55 Triangular meet hosted by Illinois Wesleyan University. The meet will be held at the Shirk Center Indoor Track on Saturday, January 20.
Women’s Basketball: Road Trip to New York and Massachusetts
The women’s basketball team will embark on a road trip to the East Coast, facing off against New York University (NYU) and Brandeis University. On Friday, January 19, the Bears will take on NYU at the John A. Paulson Center in New York City, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET. The team will then travel to Waltham, Massachusetts, for a matchup against Brandeis University on Sunday, January 21, at the Gosman Center. The game is set to begin at 2 p.m. ET.
Men’s Basketball: Road Games Against NYU and Brandeis University
The men’s basketball team will also hit the road, facing NYU and Brandeis University in UAA matchups. On Friday, January 19, the Bears will take on NYU at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center in New York City, with the game starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. The team will then travel to Waltham, Massachusetts, for a contest against Brandeis University at the Gosman Center on Sunday, January 21. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.
Men’s Swimming and Diving: Dual Match Against DePauw University
The men’s swimming and diving team will travel to Greencastle, Indiana, for a dual match against DePauw University on Saturday, January 20. The competition will take place at the Erdmann Natatorium, with the action starting at 1 p.m.
Women’s Swimming and Diving: Dual Match Against DePauw University
The women’s swimming and diving team will also travel to Greencastle, Indiana, to face DePauw University in a dual match. The meet is scheduled for Saturday, January 20, at the DePauw University Natatorium, with the competition beginning at 1 p.m.