BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (10-11, 7-6 ECC) defeated St. Thomas Aquinas College (7-17, 4-8 ECC), 47-41, at the Saints Center Gym on Friday. D'Youville established an early lead with a 16-6 first quarter and maintained it through strong rebounding, finishing with a 45-41 advantage on the boards. The Spartans narrowed the gap with a 15-point third quarter but were unable to overcome D'Youville's defensive efforts, which included forcing 10 turnovers for 13 points.

D'Youville opened the game with efficient shooting from beyond the arc, converting four 3-pointers to build an early lead. Ava Pearson (Colonie, N.Y. / Colonie) hit a key 3-pointer at 7:53 to tie the game at 3-3, and Molly O'Toole's (Rochester, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute) layup at 6:53 gave D'Youville its first lead. The team maintained momentum with a balanced attack, including a significant block by Megan Fedor (Elmira, N.Y. / Elmira) at 4:38. By the end of the first quarter, D'Youville led 16-6.

D'Youville extended its advantage through a series of precise shooting from beyond the arc in the second quarter. Xanthippi Karatasiou (Katerini, Greece / Kontariotissa) and Morgan Giancaterino (Orchard Park, N.Y. / Sacred Heart Academy) each connected on three-pointers, with Fedor also contributing a layup, helping to maintain the lead. A crucial three-pointer by O'Toole at 1:02 further solidified their position. Despite the Spartans' efforts, including a three-pointer, D'Youville held a 32–18 lead by the end of the quarter.

D'Youville faced a challenging third quarter as STAC mounted a comeback. Despite an early defensive block by Fedor and a crucial steal by Samantha Ruhlman (Warre, Pa. / Warren Area), D'Youville struggled with shooting, making only 2 of 18 field goals. O'Toole provided a pivotal moment with a 3-pointer at 1:33, assisted by Giancaterino, to maintain the lead. The quarter ended with D'Youville holding a narrow 37–33 advantage heading into the final frame.

In a decisive fourth quarter, D'Youville broke a tie with a key three-pointer from Ruhlman at 5:18, assisted by Giancaterino, to take a 42–39 lead. Ruhlman followed with another three-pointer less than a minute later, extending the lead to 45–39. D'Youville maintained their advantage with solid free-throw shooting, including two more from Ruhlman in the final seconds, sealing the victory. The game concluded with D'Youville on top, 47–41.

Ruhlman scored 14 points, converting four of five 3-point attempts. O'Toole recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Fedor contributed defensively with two blocks. Giancaterino facilitated the offense with six assists.

Looking ahead, D'Youville will host Mercy University on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. in Buffalo, New York with an autograph signing to follow for all participants in the National Girls and Women in Sports Day clinic.