WashU Takes 3rd Place in Midwest Challenge

St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 1, 2019 –The Washington University in St. Louis women's basketball team defeated Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 67-47 on Sunday, in the third-place game of the Midwest Challenge at the WU Field House. 

The Bears improve to 3-2 on the year and the Engineers fall to 0-4.

WashU was led by freshman Sammi Matoush's career-high 15 points, with three three-pointers, while fellow freshman Naomi Jackson scored a career-high 12 points, with two three pointers, and four rebounds. Sophomore Samantha Weaver chipped in six points, five steals and four rebounds as senior Kristina Schmelter had six points and six rebounds. Freshman Maya Arnott tallied a career-high seven points and four rebounds off the bench. 

After a slow start to the game, the Bears heated up in the second quarter and took a 24-20 lead into the locker room. Freshman Karisa Grandison and Matoush both scored five points for WashU, who were 8-for-29 from the field as a squad. 

The Bears upped the offensive intensity in the third quarter, quickly pushing their lead to double digits. Sophomore Isabelle Hren scored the first five points of the half, knocking down a three-pointer and a fast-break layup. Matoush hit back-to-back three-pointers to give the Bears a 15-point lead at 35-20 at the 8:12 mark. 

The Bears' lead soared to 25 points late in the fourth quarter, as they didn't let up on the Engineers. 

WashU will close out their five game homestand hosting the 19thAnnual McWilliams Classic at WU Field House on Dec. 6 – 7. On Friday, Dec. 6, the Bears will take on Greenville at 7 p.m. WashU and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps will tip off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.