Firebirds Defeat D’Youville, Split Season Series

Washington, D.C. — The University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team earned a 70–62 victory over D'Youville on Sunday afternoon, splitting the season series between the two East Coast Conference opponents.

UDC set the tone early, taking a 16–12 lead after the first quarter, before pulling away with a strong second half. The Firebirds outscored the Saints 21–10 in the third quarter and followed with 25 points in the fourth to secure the win.

Aiyana Ellis led the Firebirds with a team-high 18 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field while adding eight rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Le'Asia Todd turned in a perfect shooting performance, finishing 5-for-5 from the floor and 6-of-6 at the free-throw line for 16 points, while pulling down nine rebounds.

Calista Gaymon and Nhaikyia Smith each scored 11 points. Smith also filled the stat sheet with nine rebounds and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double, while Gaymon added six rebounds in the effort.

UDC shot 43.4 percent from the field and 75.0 percent from the free-throw line, while holding D'Youville to 41.5 percent shooting. The Firebirds finished with 40 rebounds and 19 assists, showcasing balanced team play on both ends of the floor.

The win improves UDC's conference standing and evens the season series with the Saints after the two teams split their matchups.

The Firebirds will remain at home as they return to action on Wednesday, hosting Molloy University in continued East Coast Conference play.