WSU women’s basketball beat Saint Louis University 85-63 at Beasley Coliseum on Monday. The Cougars have now won four straight games after starting the season 1-4.

Redshirt sophomore forward Borislava Hristova lead the team with 21 points, making nine of her 18 attempted shots.

Head Coach June Daugherty said Hristova was all over the court and willing to make the extra pass when her team needed her too.

“Even though she has that scoring mentality, she wants to share the basketball and get her teammates involved,” Daugherty said.

Sophomore guard Chanelle Molina added 11 points for the Cougars, shooting a perfect four-for-four from the field with two three-pointers.

The Cougars defense forced the Billikens to turn the ball over 19 times in the game. Molina said the team focuses on forcing turnovers every game.

“We emphasize that every practice,” Molina said. “We have the depth, so if we use that to our advantage and just play hard every time we step out on the court we’ll wear them out in the end.”

WSU held Saint Louis senior guard Jackie Kemph to eight points and four assists. Kemph was the leading scorer for the Billikens heading into the game.

“I think [Hristova] needs to be credited quite a bit tonight for the lane closures that she created on the wing, so that Kemph couldn’t get them in their offense,” Daugherty said.

Hristova said preparation and a solid game plan helped the team slow down Kemph.

“I think that was just part of our scout, to take her game away because she’s pushing that team,” Hristova said.

WSU held a 13-point lead at halftime of the game. Daugherty said she was pleased with her team’s fast start to the game, something she admitted hasn’t happened very often this season.

“This was the first game with this group this year that we’ve gone into the locker room with that type of lead,” Daugherty said. “It was an opportunity for us to continue to focus and build on it and come out and actually play better.”

WSU redshirt junior forward Louise Brown had nine points and seven rebounds while playing with the flu. Hristova said Brown still had a significant impact on the game despite being sick.

“Lou is a tough player. If she doesn’t score, she brings a lot of energy defensively,” Hristova said. “She’s a really good communicator on our team so she’s trying to get us all involved on offense and defense.”

Sophomore forward Kayla Washington had three offensive rebounds that resulted in three put-back layups in the first half. Washington finished the night with six points and six rebounds.

Daugherty said Washington was attacking the boards all night and helping the team get extra possessions.

“She understands how important it is for us to get second shots,” Daugherty said.

Daugherty said this performance will help the team continue to grow and improve.

“Exciting win…it was nice to play at home again and play good defense,” Daugherty said. “I think it was one of our best nights defensively against a talented team.”

WSU will host Gonzaga University at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Beasley Coliseum.