University of the District of Columbia Women’s Basketball Drops First Game of the Season in East Coast Conference Opener. Firebirds Fall to St. Thomas Aquinas 63-52.

Sparkill, NY – The University of the District of Columbia Women's Basketball Team fell in their East Coast Conference (ECC) opener to St. Thomas Aquinas College 63-52.  The Firebirds entered the game with with a seven game winning streak on the year and an unblemished 7-0 record.  The Firebirds couldn't keep the momentum going, however, as their winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Spartans.  UDC drops to 7-1 (0-1 in the ECC) on the year while St. Thomas Aquinas advances to 6-3 (2-0 in the ECC).

The Spartans were led by senior forward Briana Sloper who posted a game-high 19 points and 12 rebounds in the win.  The Firebirds were paced by junior guard Janelle Junior (Riverside, CA – La Sierra HS) who posted 16 points in the loss.  The game was well contested for the entire first half.  The Spartans held the first real lead of the game 8-4 at the 14:22 mark in the first half.  The Firebirds kept battling, tying the game 22-22 with 2:10 to play in the half.  St. Thomas Aquinas held a slight lead headed into halftime 27-26.  For the first few minutes of the second half the Spartans were able to slowly build an advantage, taking a 42-32 lead halfway through the second half at the 10:23 mark.  The Firebirds mounted an impressive attempt at a comeback, closing the gap to 51-48 at the 2:51 mark.  The Spartans responded, however, putting together a 12-4 run to close out the game. 

The Firebirds return to action on Wednesday, December 14th at home against St. Augustines at 6:00 pm.