The St. Thomas Aquinas College women's basketball team lost to the University of the District of Columbia, 75-70, in an East Coast Conference contest. Kristen Olsen hit seven three-pointers in leading the Lady Spartans with 23 points but her team fell to 8-9 overall, 4-8 in the ECC. UDC improved to 14-3 overall and held on to first place in conference play with a 10-1 mark.

Each team took turns with the lead in the first half, with the Lady Spartans utilizing four treys from Olsen and another from Alyson Brennan to grab a 22-19 advantage with eight minutes left. UDC would rebound, however, reeling off a 15-2 outburst and a 34-24 edge, expanding that lead to 44-33 at halftime.

UDC would keep the pressure on, increasing their lead to 63-47 with eight minutes left in the game. Olsen would add a pair of treys in a 16-6 run, drawing the visitors to within 69-63 with 3:47 to play. A Brennan hoop in the final mintue would bring the Lady Spartans to 75-70, but the Firebirds held on to secure the win.

Briana Cook came off the bench to post 16 points for STAC, with Brennan adding 12 and nine rebounds. Telisha Turner led UDC with 22 points, and teammate Dennika Brent added 12.

The Lady Spartans return to Aquinas Hall for a pair of big home games this week. On Monday, February 3, they square off with Molloy College in a 6:00 pm start, and on Wednesday, February 5, the University of Bridgeport pays a call in a 5:30 start. Both are ECC tilts, with each standing as the front end of double-headers with the men's squad.