Sports | Women's Basketball
No. 16 women’s basketball defeats UChicago 72-45 to kick off UAA play

Graduate student Jessica Brooks goes for a contested layup against Chicago on Jan. 11. (Sam Powers | Managing Photo Editor)
The No. 16 WashU women’s basketball team opened conference play with a dominant victory 72-45 over No. 19 The University of Chicago. The win marked the start of WashU’s University Athletic Association (UAA) 14 game campaign.
“It was a great win opening the UAA,” sophomore guard Sidney Rogers said. “We knew we had to come out strong because it’s a great conference, so we had to make a statement.”
The game was the Bears’ first since returning from their winter break Puerto Rico trip where they went undefeated, beating both Dickinson College and Bridgewater State University. Head Coach Lisa Stone was proud of the improvement she witnessed from her team.
“The Puerto Rico trip helped our team bond and grow together,” she said. “I thought we really demonstrated our unity and commitment to defense in our UAA opener.”
Following a slow start for both teams, WashU opened the second quarter with six straight points from graduate student guard Jessica Brooks. With a 29-18 lead at halftime, the Bears continued to outscore UChicago, going on a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter.
Brooks led the team adding an impressive stat line with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
“She’s been here for five years, so she knows the UAA in and out, and she knows how to step up in big situations,” Rogers said. “I think she definitely showed today that she’s one of the best players in our conference.”
Stone echoed Rogers’ sentiment, adding that Brooks’ selflessness and competitive mentality have been key to the team’s success.
“She is one of the best leaders I’ve ever had in my career,” she said. “She’s all-in and will do anything for anybody on the team.”
Aside from Brooks, the team relied on their talented sophomore class. Sophomore center Lexy Harris added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Rogers contributed 13 points and a season-high six rebounds. In addition, junior forward Nailah McBeth grabbed a game and season-high 10 rebounds, shutting UChicago out on the boards.
Stone commented on the growing role McBeth has played this season.
“We just inserted her into the starting lineup when we were in Puerto Rico,” Stone said. “She and Lexy have played really well together.”
Stone also complimented the first-year class for their quick growth throughout the season, specifically highlighting guards Ava Blagojevich and Hope Drake, who Stone said “played key minutes” in WashU’s season opener.
The team entered the game focused on bringing defensive intensity, which has been Stone’s point of emphasis throughout the entire season.
“All season, Coach Stone has changed our mentality on the defensive end, so this game really goes to show how much work we’ve put in on that by holding a great team to 45 points,” Rogers said.
The Bears scored 16 points off turnovers and held UChicago to just 26.7% from the floor.
As the team looks ahead to a tough conference schedule, Stone is reminding her players to focus on what they can control by remaining consistent. The Bears’ work this season will be put to the test as they look ahead to facing the reigning national champions No. 1 New York University on Sunday, Feb. 2.
The team will return to the Field House on Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. as they take on Case Western Reserve University.