The St. Thomas Aquinas College women's basketball team fell to the University of New Haven, 79-57 in the season opener at Aquinas Hall. Freshman Jenna Erickson led the way with 17 points for STAC, while New Haven had five scorers in double figures to improve to 2-0

After a fast tempo to start the contest, the Lady Spartans went toe-to-toe with a tough New Haven squad. Kristin Olsen's three-pointer gave the hosts a 28-26 edge with 7:17 to play in the first half, but the Chargers would turn up the defensive pressure, going on a 12-1 run. STAC went without a field goal until Sam Burden's trey in the final minute, but the Lady Spartans remained within striking distance at 41-34 at the break.

STAC drew to within 51-45 on a Kate McCue free throw five minutes into the second half, but again UNH would turn up the defense to pull away for good, charging out to an 18-2 run and never looking back.

Kristen Olsen added 11 points for St. Thomas Aquinas while Aquillin Hayes led all scorers with 23 points for New Haven. She was joined in double-figures by Bria Moore (15 points) and Elizabeth Cruso, Brianna Bradford, and Lauren Hebert (10 points each). Perimeter shooting was the big difference, as STAC was held to just 31% from the field (18-59) and only 21% (4-19) from behind the arc.

The Lady Spartans return to action on Saturday, November 22, hosting Nyack College in a 1:00 pm tipoff at Aquinas Hall. That will be their last game on the mainland before heading for a three-game road trip to Hawaii, November 26-28.