The St. Thomas Aquinas College women's basketball team triumphed by a 70-57 count against Daemen College in an East Coast Conference tilt at Aquinas Hall. Jenna Erickson led all scorers with 23 points as the Lady Spartans improved to 7-9 overall and 3-4 in ECC play, dropping Daemen to 6-6, 3-3.

Despite making the long trip from Western New York, it was Daemen that seemed none the worse in the early going, scoring the game's first seven points. The Wildcats flexed their muscles early to the tune of a 13-4 lead after over six minutes of play, but the Lady Spartans offense would arrive and start executing in impressive fashion.

Erickson got the ball rolling with a three-pointer, and the freshman point guard would proceed to take control of the game. She would convert a lay-up and another trey in succession to bring STAC to within 16-14, and Sam Burden would give the Lady Spartans their first lead at 18-17 with 6:29 to play in the half.

In all, Erickson's dominant 17-point first half would spur a 32-13 STAC avalanche, with the hosts taking a 36-28 lead into the halftime break.

While Natalie Galus would bring the visitors to within 38-32 with an early jumper, the lady Spartans retained their poise and that was as close as the Wildcats were to get. Sabrina Eggink's trey just past the midway point of the half capped an 11-4 run, with STAC taking a comfortable 57-43 advantage and would cruise to the win from there.

KC Sokolski added 10 points off the bench for STAC, while Raeann Stilwell paced Daemen with 16 points. The tenacious St. Thomas Aquinas defense would force 33 turnovers for the game.

The Lady Spartans will have a quick turnaround, returning to action on Saturday, January 17, when Roberts Wesleyan College visits Aquinas Hall. Game time is 2:00 pm, and is the front end of a double-header, with the men's teams to follow.