While many Washington University students have nothing to show for their winter breaks other than a few funny stories and a little less cash after the holidays, the women’s basketball team has shown why they are ranked third in the Division III national rankings. Over break, the squad participated in three-hour practices to keep them on top of their game, and the hard work has paid off. The Bears are ready to make a run through one of the toughest conferences in the nation.

At 13-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference, the Bears beat their cross-Wydown rivals Fontbonne University on Dec. 17 by a score of 87-52. Senior forward Danielle Beehler, who is having an outstanding season, was once again the focus of the game with her game-high 26 points and 13 rebounds. Senior captain Kelly Manning contributed 20 points of her own, shooting two-for-four from beyond the three-point arc.

Unfortunately, the new year started poorly for the Bears, who forfeited their first loss of the season coming against Maryville University 63-56. Down by 16 points at halftime, the University stepped up their play and were able to rally in the second half behind Manning’s 21 points and Beehler’s 16. Junior forward Rebecca Parker led all players with 15 rebounds.

After the loss, the squad worked to rectify their mistakes before the team started up University Athletic Association (UAA) conference play. They rose to the challenge, winning all three of their UAA games since the loss to Marymount. In a conference that features fou top 25 teams, the Bears defeated No. 22 Chicago 83-59 on Jan. 7. While the Maroons shot 40 percent from the field, they were no match for the Bears, who had four players in double-digits. Led by Manning’s 19 points, Parker added 18, Beehler 13, and senior Katie Benson added another 10. Parker also collected 13 boards for her second-straight double-double. Junior Sarah Schell was also a key factor in the victory with seven assists and only one turnover.

Continuing conference play, the Bears defeated a much-improved Emory team 71-55 on Jan. 13. The Eagles could not stop the Bear offense that shot 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. Manning again led all scorers with 22 points, Beehler added 16, and Schell and Benson each tallied 11 points.

In their most recent game on Sunday, the University faced Case Western Reserve University. Up by as much as 44 points at one point, the Bears defeated Case Western 77-47. The game was highlighted by staunch defense and forcing turnovers. Holding Case Western to only 27 percent shooting, the Bears collected 13 steals along with an astounding 29 assists with Schell leading the way with 12. Beehler scored 20 points while Manning collected 16. On a perfect shooting night, Benson was 5-5 from the floor and 1-1 from the charity stripe.

In one of the toughest match-ups all season, the Bears will continue conference play against No. 20 New York University this Friday night at 6 p.m. and No. 2 Brandeis University on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both games are home at the University’s Field House. A perennial throw-down, the games this weekend could significantly alter the national rankings and NCAA berths issued in the upcoming weeks. In the televised contest against NYU, the Bears look forward to a large crowd for the Red Alert Pack-the-Place Night and Family Night.

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