Sparkill, N.Y. - On National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Aquinas Hall, the St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Basketball team picked up its third straight victory Wednesday evening, by fending off a late rally try by the University of the District of Columbia, 68-62.

STAC improves to 10-8 overall and 5-2 in East Coast Conference play, while UDC slips to 13-6 and 5-2.

Sarah Ericson led the way for the Spartans, recording a game-high 24 points, while teammates Trinity Cheatom (15 points) and  Erin Leary (11 points) also posted double figures in scoring.

STAC shot 38.1 percent (24-63) from the field, while UDC shot 37.5 percent (24-64) from the floor.

STAC NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

• Eight Spartans logged double-digit minutes in the contest. 
• Sarah Ericson and Erin Leary led the maroon and gold with three assists apiece on the evening.
• Ericson hit 6 of her 16 field goal attempts and a perfect 7-for-7 from the foul line. Meanwhile, Trinity Cheatom went 4-of-10 from the floor and 3-for-8 from long distance.
• UDC out-rebounded STAC by a 42-39 margin, with Sarah Ericson grabbing a game-high 11 boards for the Spartans.
• St. Thomas Aquinas picked up ten steals, with the Firebirds turning the ball over on 15 separate occasions.
• The Spartans earned advantages in two team statistical categories over District of Columbia: Second Chance Points (13-6) and Points in the Paint (32-28).
• The game featured ten ties and three lead changes.
• STAC's largest lead of the contest came late in the fourth quarter, when Spartans led by 13 points, 65-52.

UDC NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ten Firebirds logged double-digit minutes in the contest. 
• Tori Williams led all scorers with 16 points, while teammate Aiyana Ellis (12pts) also scored in double digits.
• Aiyana Ellis led UDC with three assists on the evening.
• Williams went 7-for-15 from the floor, with Ellis hitting 6 of her 11 field goal attempts.
• Destiny Ryles grabbed a team-high six boards for the Firebirds.
• District of Columbia picked up six steals, with the Spartans turning the ball over on 12 separate occasions.
• The Firebirds earned advantages in three team statistical categories over St. Thomas Aquinas: Points off Turnovers (14-10), Fastbreak Points (12-2) and Bench Points (18-8).
• UDC had its largest lead in the game (six points) at the 7:54 mark of the first quarter and took a two-point advantage (31-29) into the halftime locker room.

NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY:

Following the contest between the Spartans and Firebirds, the St. Thomas Aquinas College Department of Athletics recognized its 14 women's intercollegiate and varsity programs and over 150 student-athletes, for their academic and athletic accomplishments and the female athletic administrators for their hard work in the daily operations of the athletic department. STAC also acknowledged the University of the District of Columbia Women's Basketball team for their achievements as well.

The National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual day of observance to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honor the progress and advocation for equality for women in sports.

Each year since its inception in 1987, the United States Congress recognizes women's contributions to sports and society. NGWSD is celebrated annually across the United States and features community-based events, notable women athletes, awards, and other activities.

UP NEXT:

STAC wraps up its four-game homestand, hosting the College of Staten Island at Aquinas Hall on Saturday, January 27. The Spartans and Dolphins tip-off at 1:00 p.m. in Sparkill.