The St. Thomas Aquinas College women's basketball team dropped a 70-45 non-conference decision at West Point against Division I Army. Sabrina Eggink led the Lady Spartans with 11 points as her squad dropped to 5-6 overall, with Army improving to 8-2.

STAC got out to a strong start, with a Kate McCue bucket and a Jenna Erickson trey opening up a 5-2 edge after three minutes of play. The Black Knights would score the next five points to gain the lead, but the Lady Spartans held tough, trailing just 11-10 on an Erickson foul shot with 12:43 left in the first half.

Army would open some breathing room, utilizing a 7-0 run to open a two point lead into a 21-12 cushion. The Lady Spartans would remain in the contest, with an Eggink jumper in the final minute bringing STAC to halftime trailing at 31-20.

After an early exchange of points to start the second half, Army would remove all doubt with a 15-6 run, opening a 50-30 gap eight minutes into the second half. The stingy Black Knights' defense would be enough to help the hosts pull away and cruise to the victory.

Kelsey Minato led all scorers with 21 points while teammate Jean Parker added 17. Army also carried a decisive edge on the boards, featuring a 35-26 margin.

The Lady Spartans are now off for the holiday break but will return to action in the opener of a New Year's Eve double-header on Wednesday, December 31. They will host Southern Connecticut State University in a 12:30 pm tip, followed by the men also in a non-conference tilt, taking on Stonehill College at 3:00 pm.

The St. Thomas Aquinas College Department of Athletics wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy, and healthy Holiday Season!