PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Women's Basketball battled through four competitive quarters on Tuesday evening but ultimately fell 62–53 to Bridgeport at the Goldstein Fitness Center. The setback moves the Setters to 4–6 overall and 1–2 in non-conference play.
Pace and Bridgeport traded baskets early in a defensive opening quarter, with neither side able to find much rhythm offensively. The Blue and Gold stayed within striking distance behind early contributions from
Ciara Collins, who knocked down a three-pointer midway through the opening period.
Despite the tight play, Bridgeport carried a narrow 8–7 edge into the second quarter. Pace found more offensive flow in the second, as Collins continued to attack from the perimeter and the lane, while
Morgan Ryan and
Anisa Akinola provided timely scoring to keep the game within reach. Still, a late push by Bridgeport sent Pace into halftime trailing 30–25.
The third quarter marked Pace's strongest stretch of the night. Collins opened the half with another three-pointer and continued to control the offensive tempo, helping the Setters erase the deficit and briefly pull even. Defensive stops and efficient ball movement fueled Pace's momentum, but Bridgeport responded late in the period to reclaim a slim advantage heading into the final ten minutes.
In the fourth quarter, Pace remained within striking distance, but Bridgeport capitalized at the free-throw line and on second chance opportunities to secure the road win.
Collins delivered a standout performance, finishing with a game-high 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting while connecting on a career-high four three-pointers. She added seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in a complete two-way effort.
Ryan contributed eight points and three assists off the bench, while
Ciera Cevallos added seven points, and
Grace Ziogas and Akinola each chipped in six.
The Setters will return to action on Saturday, hosting the College of Staten Island at 1:30 p.m. as Pace looks to bounce back in front of the home crowd.
