PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Women's Basketball continued its strong start to the 2025-26 season on Saturday afternoon, earning a 58–45 victory over Mercy University inside the Goldstein Fitness Center. The win moves Pace to 3-1 overall while the Setters remain 1-0 in Northeast 10 Conference play after last week's league-opening triumph.

The opening quarter was a back-and-forth battle as the teams traded early baskets and settled into the afternoon. Ciara Collins and Grace Ziogas provided the early punch for Pace, combining for efficient finishes in the lane while the Setters worked to establish their defensive identity. After 10 minutes, the game sat even at 12-12, with neither side able to fully separate.

The Blue and Gold began to assert themselves in the second quarter. Ziogas sparked the offense with a three-pointer at the top of the period, and the Setters' pressure began to bother the Mavericks. Pace outscored Mercy 12-6 in the frame, limiting the visitors to just three field goals and taking a 24-18 lead into halftime on the strength of its half-court defense and improving ball movement.

Pace broke the game open after the break. The Setters put together their most complete stretch of the afternoon in the third quarter, outscoring Mercy 18-11 to build a double-digit cushion. Collins attacked downhill for timely finishes, while Ziogas continued her efficient shooting from the perimeter. Morgan Ryan provided a major lift off the bench, knocking down three triples in the stanza to extend the margin. By the end of the period, Pace led 42–29 and had full control of the tempo.
The Setters closed the door in the fourth. While Mercy found some late offense from the arc, Pace matched the Mavericks' output with composed possessions and timely free throws, playing the final minutes with poise to secure the 13-point win.

Ziogas led all scorers with 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, including 3-for-4 from three, and added three steals on the defensive end.
Collins turned in a standout all-around performance with 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Anisa Akinola contributed six points, four steals and three assists in a two-way effort.

Ryan rounded out the attack with 13 points on 3-for-5 shooting from long range off the bench.

By the numbers, the Setters shot 40.4% from the field and 36.8% from three, and held a 39-30 advantage on the glass. Pace turned 19 Mercy turnovers into 18 points and generated nine second-chance points behind 11 offensive rebounds, showcasing the balance and depth that have defined the early portion of the season.

The Setters continue their homestand on Tuesday, November 25, when they welcome Molloy University for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off in non-conference play.