Peoria, Ill., November 5, 2011 – Senior Brianne Monahan scored a game-high 18 points but it was not enough as the Washington University in St. Louis women's basketball team dropped an 81-63 decision to Division I Bradley University in an exhibition contest on Saturday afternoon in Peoria, Ill.

Junior Kristin Anda (11 points, eight rebounds) and senior Dani Hoover (10 points) also scored in doubles figures for Washington U., who shot 38.3 percent (23-60) from the field. Freshman Melissa Gilkeyadded nine points and a game-high 14 rebounds in the loss. The Bears were 4-of-18 from three-point range, and committed 22 turnovers.

Kelsey Budd (17 points), Katie Yohn (17 points), Catie O'Leary (10 points) and Leah Kassing (10 points) each scored in double figures for Bradley, who was picked eighth Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Braves hit 10-of-20 from beyond the three-point arc and had a 27-9 advantage in points off turnovers.

Despite shooting 48 percent (12-25) from the field in the first half, Washington U. found itself behind by 16 points (46-30) at halftime. The Bears knotted the score at 18-18 following a bucket by Hoover with 10:17 left in the first half. Bradley would hold onto a six-point lead with less than three minutes to play before ending the half on a 12-4 run.

Washington University opens its 2011-12 season on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Mo., at 7 p.m.