RUTHERFORD, N.J. – On Saturday afternoon, Pace University Women's Basketball saw its three-game win streak snapped, dropping a 73-37 decision to Felician University at the Joal & Joseph Job Gymnasium. The Setters moved to 4-2 overall following the road setback, their second nonconference loss of the season.
Felician set the tone early, racing out to a quick double-digit lead as Pace struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the opening quarter. The Setters managed just one field goal in the first 10 minutes, with
Ciara Collins accounting for Pace's lone basket of the period. Felician took advantage on both ends of the floor and carried a 16-2 advantage into the second quarter.
Pace responded with improved ball movement and defensive energy, trimming the gap behind scoring from Collins and
Anisa Akinola, while
Cali Chiocchi added a pair of baskets in the paint. Despite the stronger stretch, Pace went into halftime trailing 31-15.
Felician opened the third quarter with a surge that ultimately decided the game, extending its lead behind consistent interior scoring and transition opportunities. Pace continued to compete, highlighted by finishes from
Grace Ziogas and Chiocchi, but the margin grew to 50-21 by the end of the third.
The Setters showed continued effort in the final period, as
LyNeta Brand converted from the free-throw line and Chiocchi added a late layup to close out the scoring. Pace finished the fourth quarter with its best offensive output of the game but was unable to overcome the early deficit.
Collins led all Setters with 14 points and four steals, adding four rebounds in 30 minutes of action. Chiocchi followed with eight points and three rebounds, while Akinola chipped in six boards and five points.
Pace collected 29 rebounds and forced multiple turnovers with active pressure defensively, but the Blue and Gold were unable to generate consistent offense against Felician's defensive pressure.
The Setters return to the Goldstein Fitness Center on Wednesday to host Assumption University at 5:30 p.m. for Pride Hoops Night.
