PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University women's basketball returned to Northeast 10 Conference play on Tuesday evening but came up short in a 54-40 decision against Assumption University. The Setters moved to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in league action.

Assumption set the tone early, opening the contest with an 11-6 first-quarter lead as Pace worked to find its offensive rhythm. Ciara Collins sparked the offense with strong finishes in the paint, but the visitors gradually extended the margin behind balanced scoring. 

The Setters continued to compete on the defensive end in the second quarter and cut into the deficit with trips to the foul line and late baskets, though timely perimeter shooting allowed Assumption to carry a 25–16 advantage into halftime.

The Blue and Gold responded with renewed energy coming out of the break. Pace attacked the basket consistently, with Cali Chiocchi and Grace Ziogas converting inside and Anisa Akinola adding points at the line as the Setters trimmed the margin to single digits midway through the third quarter. 

Assumption halted the run with back-to-back baskets late in the period, taking a 39-29 lead into the final 10 minutes.

Pace continued to battle in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a late three-pointer from Collins and continued defensive pressure, but Assumption answered once more to close out the contest. Collins finished with a team-high 16 points, while Ziogas added seven and Ciera Cevallos chipped in six.

The Setters will look to bounce back when they travel to face American International College on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.