ELMHURST, Ill. - The Bluejays fell short on the road in the conference matchup against Illinois Wesleyan, 77–59, on February 7th. The Titans had a strong first quarter, while the Bluejays battled throughout but were unable to close the gap down the stretch.
Illinois Wesleyan jumped out early behind a 28-point opening quarter and carried a 28–17 lead after one. Elmhurst responded with a more balanced second quarter, generating offense from multiple players while improving ball movement and interior production. The Bluejays carried that steadier approach into the third quarter, remaining competitive through consistent execution on both ends.
Kristin Bukata led Elmhurst with 14 points, adding four assists, three steals, and two rebounds while logging over 39 minutes of action. The performance marked a milestone moment for Bukata, as she surpassed 1,000 career points in the first quarter at her collegiate level. The achievement reflects her consistent offensive production throughout her career, highlighted by her ability to score in a variety of ways while also serving as one of Elmhurst's primary playmakers. Along with her recent milestone, Bukata als broke the total assist record for the Bluejays with 328 assists, previosuly set at 292 during a game earlier in the season.
Natalie Harty finished with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, knocking down four three-pointers and adding two steals. Anna Kleszynski contributed 11 points, while Natalie Robinson gained in eight points and eight rebounds to go along with two assists and a steal for the Bluejays.
Maia Lewers added eight points and an assists, while Sierra Gibson provided a spark off the bench with three points, one assists, and two rebounds in just over nine minutes of action. As a team, Elmhurst shot 42.6 percent from the floor going 8-11 on free throws, while totaling 19 rebounds and moved the ball well with 11 assists on 23 made field goals.
The Bluejays will look to regroup as they continue conference play with another CCIW matchup against North Central, Saturday Feb. 14 at 5:00 pm.