GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - Pace University Women's Basketball opened strong on the final day of the Adelphi Conference Challenge, but a difficult third quarter shifted the afternoon as the Setters fell 49-36 to Caldwell University on Saturday. The result moves the Blue and Gold to 1-1 on the young season ahead of Wednesday's home opener. 

The Setters established early rhythm on both ends of the floor. After Caldwell struck first, Pace responded when Anisa Akinola connected on a three-pointer to pull the Blue and Gold even.

The offensive spark continued off the bench, where Morgan Ryan stepped in and immediately buried a deep three from the right wing. Minutes later, LyNeta Brand added another triple, stretching Pace's advantage and igniting the sideline's energy.

The momentum carried into a strong second quarter. Brand supplied reliable perimeter minutes while Chiocchi and Ryan helped maintain Pace's rebounding presence. The Setters' defense remained the anchor, rotating decisively and closing out shooters as Caldwell managed only six points in the period. Behind that discipline, Pace built a 22–17 halftime edge.

The afternoon shifted after halftime. Despite generating clean looks, the Setters saw shots that fell earlier slip off the rim in the third quarter. Caldwell capitalized with a 17-4 stretch that pushed the visitors in front for the rest of the way.

Ziogas and Collins each finished with nine points. Ziogas added four rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal across 38 minutes of steady two-way play. Akinola anchored the rebounding effort with seven boards and five points, while Ryan contributed six points on two threes along with four rebounds.

The Blue and Gold return to Pleasantville, N.Y. on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for the 2025-26 home opener, hosting Franklin Pierce in a White Out as Pace begins Northeast 10 play.