PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Women's Basketball continued its early-season surge on Tuesday evening inside the Goldstein Fitness Center, turning in a composed and complete performance to defeat Molloy University, 75-62, and improve to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in Northeast 10 play. The Setters' balance and late-game execution once again set the tone, with all five starters contributing at least 10 points in a wire-to-wire team effort.

Pace weathered a back-and-forth opening stretch before beginning to separate late in the first quarter, sparked by the perimeter play of Grace Ziogas and the interior presence of Anisa Akinola. The Blue and Gold carried that momentum into the second frame, using a 12-5 run to build their largest lead of the half behind strong minutes from Cali Chiocchi and Ciara Collins, who combined for key makes at the rim and beyond the arc.

Although Molloy briefly surged back, the Setters' defense stabilized, allowing Pace to take a 32-27 advantage into halftime.

The second half belonged to Pace's starting group, which answered every Lions push with poised and timely scoring. Ziogas buried a deep three early in the third before Akinola and Collins stretched the margin with a series of transition baskets, helping Pace head to the fourth with a 52-46 edge.

From there, the Setters closed the door emphatically, shooting nearly 78 percent in the final period, highlighted by Collins' downhill finishing, Chiocchi's soft touch inside, and a late burst of free throws from Ziogas to seal the victory.

Ziogas led the way with 18 points, including 4-for-9 from beyond the arc, while Akinola delivered a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. Collins matched her with 16 points, Chiocchi added 10 points and eight rebounds, and Ciera Cevallos contributed 10 points along with a team-high eight assists, steering the offense throughout the night.

Pace finished an impressive 16-of-18 at the line and outscored Molloy 23-16 in the fourth quarter, using its trademark defensive pressure and balanced scoring to put the game out of reach.

After the holiday break, the Setters head back on the road this weekend, traveling to face Felician University on Saturday. Opening tip is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.