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Women's Hoops Closes Strong in 58-39 Win Over Roberts Wesleyan

Women's Hoops Closes Strong in 58-39 Win Over Roberts Wesleyan

The St. Thomas Aquinas College women's basketball team concluded the 2013-14 season with a 58-39 East Coast Conference victory over Roberts Wesleyan College at Aquinas Hall. Kristen Olsen and Sabrina Eggink posted 15 points each for the Lady Spartans, who wrapped up the campaign with a 12-13 overall record, 8-12 in ECC play. Roberts Wesleyan fell to 14-12, 10-10.

Roberts posted the only points over nearly the first three minutes of play, with an "and-one" providing a 3-0 edge. Sam Burden broke the seal for STAC with a pair of free throws, sending the hosts on an 8-0 run to jump in front. The Redhawks rallied back to tie the score at 8-8 and the teams exchanged hoops thereafter, with the score tied at 12-12 midway through the half.

STAC would finally gain control with an 11-2 run over the next five minutes, putting the Lady Spartans in a 23-14 lead. The would continue to hold the momentum, with a 33-21 advantage at the break, after which they would score the first five points in the second half to open a 38-21 gap. The Lady Spartans' defense came to the fore, allowing just three points over nearly the first eight minutes of the half, frustrating the Redhawks into missing their first 20 attempts from the field as the hosts pulled away.

Sam Burden joined to crew in double-figures with 11 points, and Kaitlyn McCue was tough on the glass with a team-high 10 boards. Chelsea Sanders led the Redhawks with 14 points while Marissa Sell clamed a game-high 14 rebounds. RWC went just 3-for-33 from the field in the second half (9%) and shot just 19% for the game (12-for-63).

While the Lady Spartans failed to make the playoffs this season, there is a great deal of optimism for the future, as all of the team's starters are expected to return next season.