ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Elmhurst women's basketball delivered a strongest early-season performance on Saturday evening, going toe-to-toe with nationally regarded WashU before ultimately falling 83–70 in a tightly contested matchup at the WashU Field House. The Bluejays held a lead well into the fourth quarter and showcased the toughness, execution, and competitive fire that continue to define this year's group.
Facing a program known for tradition, size, and depth, Elmhurst refused to back down. The Bluejays outscored the Bears in both the third and fourth quarters and put together multiple scoring bursts that stunned the home crowd. Even as WashU made a late push, Elmhurst's energy, pace, and confidence never faded.
Anna Kleszynski put together a dominant two-way effort, pouring in 26 points on 11-of-22 shooting while adding 10 rebounds. Her versatility was on full display—knocking down threes, attacking off the dribble, working inside, and providing the emotional lift the Bluejays needed to swing momentum. Her third-quarter run, where she caught fire from the field, was the centerpiece of Elmhurst's comeback surge.
Guard play was spectacular as well. Kristin Bukata orchestrated the offense with exceptional poise, tallying 16 points and 10 assists while logging all 40 minutes. Her ability to break pressure, create opportunities for teammates, and hit timely shots kept the Bluejays steady even as the game tightened. Natalie Robinson added 12 points and seven rebounds, elevating the physical presence in the paint and providing critical second-chance scoring.
Elmhurst's defense was equally impressive. The Bluejays forced 15 turnovers and turned them into 17 points while limiting WashU's perimeter rhythm. A standout second quarter—holding the Bears to just 12 points—set the tone for a belief-filled second half in which Elmhurst played some of its best basketball of the young season.
Although the final score tilted toward WashU, the performance made one thing clear: this Elmhurst team is legitimate. They showed they can control stretches against one of the region's toughest opponents, they executed with confidence, and they battled with the composure of a team built for February and March.
From experienced leaders to emerging talent, this group continues to create real excitement—and Saturday's effort only strengthened that momentum.
