Women’s basketball team falls to Washington (Mo.), 68-38

The Olivet College women's basketball team fell to Washington (Mo.) University, 68-38, this afternoon in the consolation game of the DePauw (Ind.) University/Amy Hasbrook Memorial Tipoff Tournament.

After the Comets (0-2) held a 10-9 lead, the Bears went on a 23-2 run to take their largest lead of the first half, 32-12, at the 3:25 mark. Washington, ranked No. 1 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Preseason Poll, pulled way in the second half, and led by as many as 36 points.

In 17 minutes off the bench, freshman Ameina Ross (Lansing/Everett) had a team-leading 10 points. Junior Emily Brown (Muskegon/Mona Shores) contributed eight points and five rebounds. Sophomore Gabrielle Federau (Okemos) led the team with eight rebounds, including seven off the defensive glass.

Shanna-Lei Dacanay paced the Bears (1-1) with 11 points. Jaimie McFarlin finished with 11 rebounds.

The Comets are back in action next Friday and Saturday, when they host the 2007 Comet Classic. On Friday night, Olivet will play Concordia University at 8 p.m. The first game of the day features Aquinas College playing Rochester College at 6 p.m. On Saturday afternoon, Rochester plays Concordia at 1 p.m., and the Comets play Aquinas at 3 p.m.