MANCHESTER, N.H. – On Saturday afternoon, Pace University Women's Basketball was locked in a competitive Northeast 10 (NE10) road battle, trading momentum and leads into the fourth quarter before St. Anselm College pulled away late for a 68–58 decision. The Setters drop to 5–9 overall and 1–4 in conference play after the tightly contested match-up.
Pace opened the afternoon with confidence, scoring the game's first seven points.
Anisa Akinola jumpstarted the offense with a three-pointer, and
Cali Chiocchi followed with back-to-back finishes in the paint to give the Setters a 7–2 advantage. St. Anselm responded with a strong run of perimeter shooting and transition baskets, closing the opening quarter in front, 21–15.
The Setters regrouped in the second quarter, chipping away possession by possession.
Ciara Collins attacked the lane to pull Pace within one score, while
Morgan Ryan provided a steady presence on both ends. Pace tightened defensively and limited second chances, but a late basket by the hosts sent the Setters into halftime trailing by just two, 28–26.
Momentum swung in Pace's favor coming out of the locker room. Akinola and Collins combined for key interior buckets, and Ryan converted in transition as the Setters surged ahead of the Hawks, building a 36–27 lead midway through the third quarter. Pace continued to control the paint and the glass, carrying a 42–38 advantage into the final 10 minutes.
The fourth quarter unfolded possession by possession. St. Anselm reclaimed the lead early, but Pace stayed within striking distance. Ryan tied the game at 52–52 from the free-throw line, and the Setters remained within one possession late. Despite the Blue and Gold's late push, timely baskets and trips to the line by the hosts ultimately created separation in the closing minutes resulting in a 68-58 final score in favor of the Hawks.
Collins led Pace with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Akinola recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Chiocchi added 10 points and eight boards, and Ryan finished with nine points as Pace totaled 28 points in the paint.
The Setters return to NE10 action on Tuesday in Garden City, N.Y., traveling to Adelphi University for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.
