Washington University’s women’s basketball team started 2008 in the same way that they finished 2007-with a win.

Since dropping two games in early December, the Bears have come back stronger than ever with wins against Fontbonne University, Maryville University, Webster University and the University of Chicago.

“We found more of our personality each game,” said Coach Nancy Fahey.

Wash. U. 88, Fontbonne 58

The Lady Bears snapped their two-game losing streak as they mauled the Fontbonne Griffins. “It was a big game as we had to make some adjustments,” said Fahey. “It was a better collective effort.”

The Bears were still adjusting from the loss of junior forward Jaimie McFarlin to a season-ending injury. Five of the Lady Bears scored in the double digits, with junior guard Halsey Ward leading the way with 17 points and forwards Kathryn Berger and Zoe Unruh scoring 14 a piece. Sophomore forward Janice Evans added 12, and junior guard Jill Brandt scored 11.

Wash. U. 77, Maryville 48

The Bears played tough defense and held a distinct advantage on boards, out rebounding the Saints 54-34. Unruh and Berger again led the way with 15 points each and recorded their first ever double-doubles of their careers with 11 and 10 boards respectively.

The Bears began the game in the lead and just kept sprinting ahead, ending the first period 39-25. The offensive machine never stopped, and the Red and Green ended 2007 with a victory.

Wash. U. 73, Webster 33

The team continued its winning ways as they dominated Webster in many offensive and defensive aspects. The Bears held the advantage in boards (55-28), points in the paint (30-2) and forced 16 turnovers, producing 15 points in the first period. The Gorloks did not know what hit them as Evans drove the offense with a career high of 17 points as the Bears took the first game of 2008.

Wash. U. 67, University of Chicago 56

The Red and Green clawed back from a 10 point deficit to defeat the Maroons in the UAA opener. “It was a really big win, as it sets a precedent for the rest of the semester,” said Berger.

Wash. U. didn’t hold any advantage until the last seconds of the first period, when junior guard Halsey Ward drilled a three-pointer to put the Bears up 32-31.

“I was glad we maintained our composure and was pleased with our resilience,” said Fahey.

Ward carried the team as she scored a career best 26 points, including a career high four three-pointers.

“Ward definitely led the way today,” said junior guard Shanna-Lei Dacanay.

Ward nearly recorded her first double-double as she pulled down nine rebounds.

“It was really about the team,” said Ward. “I wouldn’t have been able to score without them.”

The Bears were in the thick of it as the University of Chicago kept fighting back in this emotionally charged and electrifying game between major rivals.

Chicago committed five fouls in the first five minutes of the second period. On the day, the Red and Green took full advantage of these mistakes and made 21 of 23 free throw shots. The 91.3 percent free throwing percentage was a far cry from their average of 66 percent from the line.

Throughout the game, Wash. U. followed its mantra of ‘Defense wins,’ by keeping the Maroons to two points for the first nine and half minutes of the second period.

The Bears will be putting their four game winning streak on the line as they continue UAA play by hosting Emory University on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Field House for what promises to be a tough game, followed by another home game against Case Western Reserve University on Sunday.

“The UAA is going to be a dogfight this year,” said Dacanay.

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