PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – A dominant shooting night and a pair of standout guard performances lifted Pace University Women's Basketball to a 79–52 victory over Franklin Pierce University on Wednesday evening. The Setters improve to 2–1 overall and 1–0 in Northeast 10 Conference play.
Pace set the tone immediately, locking down defensively and building a 10–2 lead behind the early energy of
Grace Ziogas, who scored the game's opening basket and quickly followed with a three-pointer. Her efficiency ignited the Setters, who closed the first quarter on an 18–4 run. The Blue and Gold held the Ravens without a field goal for over five minutes, with contributions on both ends from
Ciara Collins,
Ciera Cevallos, and
Cali Chiocchi fueling the strong start.
The second quarter belonged to Ziogas and
Jaylyn Chorba, as the two guards combined to produce one of the team's most explosive shooting stretches in recent memory. Ziogas was unstoppable from deep, burying four first-half threes and finishing her night with a game-high 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Her ability to score in transition and in the half court kept Pace firmly in control.
Chorba matched Ziogas' spark with a breakout performance off the bench. The junior knocked down three threes in the second quarter alone, each one adding separation as Pace extended its advantage. Her confidence and quick release forced Franklin Pierce to adjust defensively, opening up driving lanes for Collins and Akinola and allowing Pace to continue piling on points. Behind the duo's perimeter burst, the Setters entered halftime leading 45–24 after shooting 58 percent in the second quarter.
Pace maintained that momentum through the third and fourth quarters with continued balance and energy from its guard group. Collins delivered another steady two-way outing with 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Akinola added 10 points and three steals to help maintain the defensive intensity. Chiocchi pulled down nine rebounds, and Ryan chipped in eight points, including a timely first-half three that contributed to the early surge.
In the fourth quarter, Ziogas put the finishing touches on her career night, drilling her sixth three-pointer to stretch the lead past 30. Chorba added a fastbreak layup and continued to pressure the ball defensively, helping Pace limit Franklin Pierce to just 28 percent shooting overall.
With 12 made threes, 22 assists, and five players scoring eight or more points, Pace showcased the full depth of its offense. The Setters also scored 14 points off turnovers and won the rebounding battle 38–34.
Up next, Pace will host Mercy University in a non-conference match-up set for 1:30 p.m. this Saturday.
