Firebirds Overcome Roberts Wesleyan in Tightly Contested Match

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The University of the District of Columbia (9-14, 5-8 ECC) secured a 70-65 victory over Roberts Wesleyan (4-16, 1-11 ECC) at the Voller Athletic Center. The Firebirds capitalized on 18 second-chance points and 49 boards to edge out their opponents and complete the series sweep.

The opening quarter saw a tightly contested matchup between District of Columbia and Roberts Wesleyan, with the home team edging out a 16-15 lead. District of Columbia took an early advantage with a layup by Kristian Harris and a jumper by Calista Gaymon, pushing the score to 6-2. Le'Asia Todd contributed with a layup and a tip-in, maintaining the visitors' momentum. Roberts Wesleyan responded with a pair of free throws by Jada Mushat and later tied the game at 10-10 with a fastbreak jumper by Aniyah Jones. As the quarter drew to a close, Nhaikyia Smith's free throws briefly gave District of Columbia a 12-10 edge. However, Jones' late three-pointer secured the lead for Roberts Wesleyan at the end of the quarter.

The second quarter of the game between the University of the District of Columbia and Roberts Wesleyan was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Aliyah Eason scored a layup at 7:53 to give the visitors a 19-17 lead, but Roberts Wesleyan responded with consecutive free throws from Jada Mushat to reclaim their advantage. Gaymon's three-pointer at 2:35 narrowed the gap, followed by a layup to bring the score to 26-27. Smith's late free throws at 0:07 secured a slim 31-30 lead for District of Columbia by the end of the quarter.

The third quarter was marked by a series of pivotal plays and momentum shifts. Roberts Wesleyan briefly took the lead at 32-31 with 7:25 remaining, thanks to a layup by Erin Frazier, assisted by Tierra Hendricks. However, Dist. Columbia responded swiftly with Smith's layup, reclaiming the lead at 33-32. Smith continued to be a key player, converting a fast-break layup and a subsequent free throw at 5:19 to extend the lead to 36-34. The quarter ended with Dist. Columbia increasing its advantage to 51-43, highlighted by a fast-break layup from Gaymon, assisted by Eason at the 51-second mark.

Eason's scoring, including a three-pointer at 9:34 and a layup at 8:13, helped maintain a lead for Dist. Columbia in the final quarter against Roberts Wesleyan. Despite Roberts Wesleyan's efforts, including a three-pointer by Jada Mushat at 7:12, they were unable to close the gap. Dashani Coleman contributed crucial points in the paint, with a layup at 4:35 and free throws in the final minute, keeping Dist. Columbia ahead. The game concluded with Smith's free throw, securing a 70-65 victory for Dist. Columbia.

Eason scored 18 points, converting 7 of 14 field goal attempts, including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Gaymon added 13 points and collected two steals. Harris posted five assists while recording three blocks and three steals. Todd contributed with 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, including 11 on the defensive end.

Looking ahead, the Firebirds will face Molloy on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The matchup is set for 5:00 p.m.