St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 30, 2019 – The Washington University in St. Louis women's basketball team couldn't overcome a slow start in the second half, falling to No. 11-ranked DePauw University, 69-58, in the Midwest Challenge on Saturday at the WU Field House. 

The Bears fall to 2-2 on the season while the Tigers improve to 5-1. 

WashU was led by sophomore Samantha Weaver's career-high matching 16 points and eight rebounds. Senior Kristina Schmelter chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds as sophomore Isabelle Hren tallied 10 points, including two big first half three-pointers, and six boards. Freshman Rachel Mahler came off the bench to score six points and pull down two rebounds in 20 minutes of action.  

It was a fast-paced opening half for the squads as they both battled for the upper hand. WashU was able to build an eight-point lead by 5:01 in the second quarter at 28-20 on a three-pointer by Hren. DePauw didn't back down as halftime neared, going on a 15-9 run to get within 37-35 at the half. 

The Bears came out of halftime cold and quickly found themselves in foul trouble. Weaver, with 12 points, tallied five of WashU's eight baskets in the third and fourth quarters. Freshman Sammi Matoush, Schmelter and Mahler each had a basket. 

The Bears will take on Rose-Hulman at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, in the third-place match-up of the Midwest Challenge at WU Field House. No. 11 DePauw will face No. 21 Illinois Wesleyan in the 4 p.m. Midwest Challenge Championship contest.