Firebirds Open Season with Defensive Stand, Defeat Goldey-Beacom 43–37

NEWARK, Del.  – The University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a gritty 43–37 victory over Goldey-Beacom on Friday evening in Day 1 of the Wilmington Tip-Off Tournament. The Firebirds held the Lightning under 40 points and used a dominant performance on the glass to secure the win.

Aiyana Ellis powered UDC with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double, leading all scorers and setting the tone in the paint. Ellis went 6–10 from the field and added a block and a steal in 38 minutes of action.

UDC jumped out to a 10–4 lead in the first quarter and carried a 23–12 advantage into halftime thanks to a strong defensive showing and efficient interior scoring. Goldey-Beacom responded with a 12-point third quarter, but the Firebirds steadied themselves in the fourth, outscoring the Lightning 14–13 to close out the win.

LeAsia Todd delivered an efficient 8 points on 4–4 shooting, while Calista Gaymon and Nhaikyia Smith each added 4 points off the bench to help sustain the scoring effort.  Maya Johnson contributed 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds.

Defensively, the Firebirds controlled the boards with a 43–41 rebounding advantage, fueled by 19 offensive rebounds that generated critical second-chance opportunities. UDC forced 18 Goldey-Beacom turnovers and limited the Lightning to 31.3 percent shooting and just 1-of-19 from beyond the arc.

The Firebirds return to action tomorrow for Day 2 of the Wilmington Tip-Off Tournament, taking on host Wilmington (Del.)