In their first home UAA matchup of the 2004-2005 season, the Yellowjacket Women's Basketball Team fell to the Bears of Washington University in St. Louis on Friday night at the Palestra, 59-50.

The 'Jackets got off to a slow start, falling behind 6-0 to the Bears in the first three minutes. Emily Lyons sank a pair of free throws to kick-start the Yellowjacket scoring. Rochester then began to slowly chip away at the Washington advantage, taking the lead, 22-21, on a free throw from Megan Krebbeks. Rochester then went on to secure a 28-25 lead at the end of the first half.

The Yellowjackets were unable to conttinue their momentum in the opening moments of the second half, with Washington going on a 10-2 run to build a ten-point lead, 40-30, in the first six and a half minutes of the first half. Rochester seemed to gain some steam in the middle of the half, with a play coming from a pair of free throws by Danielle Muller. Emily Bango stole the rebound from Washington, made a quick cross-court pass to Megan Fish, who then handed it off to Jessie Graham, who sank a three-point shot to bring the 'Jackets to within 5.

Washington managed to pull away again, finally extending their lead to 9 on a series of free throws in the final minute of the game.

Rochester was led in scoring by Graham, who had 15 points, all from three-point field goals. She also led the team in rebounding, pulling down 6. Megan Fish had 13 points for the 'Jackets. Danielle Muller was second in rebounding, with 5.

Washington was led by Hallie Hutchens, who scored 18 points and pulled down 15 boards. Alicia Herald had 13 points and 9 boards for the Bears.

Washington improves to 13-2, 3-1 in the University Athletic Association. Rochester falls to 8-6, 1-3 in UAA play.

The Yellowjackets continue this year's home UAA schedule against the University of Chicago on Sunday in the Palestra. Game time is 3pm.