BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Long Island Sharks used a dominant first quarter to build a lead they would never relinquish, defeating the American Eagles 69-55 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Wellness, Recreation & Athletic Center.

A sparse crowd of 146 watched as the Sharks improved to 4-1 on the young season, while the Eagles fell to 1-3.

Long Island set the tone from the opening tip, sprinting out to a 21-16 lead after the first quarter. The Sharks’ early offensive burst, keyed by a stifling defense that forced multiple American turnovers, created a cushion that proved insurmountable. The Eagles kept pace in the second quarter, with both teams scoring 16 points, but could not cut into the deficit, sending the teams to halftime with Long Island leading 37-32.

The Sharks maintained their composure and control throughout the second half, matching their 16-point output in both the third and fourth quarters. American’s offense, meanwhile, sputtered down the stretch, managing only 13 points in the third and a game-low 10 in the final period as Long Island pulled away for the 14-point victory.

Janessa Williams led all scorers for Long Island, finishing with 15 points in 31 minutes of action. The 5-foot-9 guard from Lake Worth, Florida, was a disruptive force on both ends of the floor. She was complemented by a strong interior presence from Kadidia Toure. The 6-foot-3 forward from Silver Spring, Maryland, recorded a stat line of 16 points, four assists and one block in 34 minutes, controlling the paint and facilitating the offense.

The Sharks also received valuable contributions from their bench. Kionna Gaines of Columbus, Georgia, added 11 points, while Laura Molnárová of Bratislava, Slovakia, chipped in nine points.

For American, Molly Driscoll shouldered the offensive load. The 5-foot-8 guard from Allentown, Pennsylvania, played a team-high 37 minutes and scored 18 points to go with two assists. Charlotte Tuhy, a 6-foot-1 forward from Madison, New Jersey, was the only other Eagle to reach double figures, scoring 10 points and adding a block.

American’s offense was hampered by turnovers and an inability to sustain scoring runs against a consistent Long Island defense. Anna Rescifina of Messina, Italy, dished out four assists for the Eagles but struggled with turnovers in her 38 minutes on the court.

The game was the fourth of the season for both teams. American entered the contest following a 68-57 home loss to Delaware on Monday. Long Island arrived with momentum from a 70-56 road victory at Delaware State this past Saturday.

American will look to rebound quickly as they travel to face La Salle on Saturday. Long Island’s next matchup is on the road against Fordham next Sunday.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Long Island was projected with a 64.90 percent probability to win the contest.