The St. Thomas Aquinas College women's basketball team jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 69-49 East Coast Conference win at Mercy College. Sara Oliviera led the charge with 21 points as the Lady Spartans won their fourth straight to improve to 8-7 overall and 4-1 in ECC play while Mercy continues to seek its first win at 0-12, 0-5.

Early on it was the hosts holding their own, as the Mavericks took a 6-5 lead on MarQuesha Moore's bucket at 16:16. The Lady Spartans would take charge thereafter, running up 30 of the next 39 points to take a commanding 35-15 lead on the strength of three treys from Oliviera. The Lady Spartans were never threatened thereafter, extending their lead to as many as 25 points in the second half.

Ashley Motrechuk added 13 points and Alyson Brennan chipped in with 10 points and nine rebounds for STAC, which was still missing leading scorer Shpresa Liharevic due to injury. Moore led Mercy with 13 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, with teammate Shaniqua Lewis recording 12 points.

St. Thomas Aquinas shot an impressive 52% from the field (25-48) while turning up the defensive pressure in holding the Mavs to just 25% (17-69). The Lady Spartans also dominated the boards by a 47-38 margin.

STAC basketball action returns to Aquinas Hall this Wednesday, January 16, when the Lady Spartans host NYIT in an ECC showdown with a 5:30 pm tip. That contest precedes the men's game, scheduled for a 7:30 start. If you can't make it to the game, be sure to follow our live broadcast and check out in-game LiveStats.