PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Women's Basketball stayed within striking distance through the opening quarter on Wednesday night, but an extended run by American International College proved decisive in a 67-50 Northeast 10 loss. The Setters battled through the final three quarters and showed resilience after halftime inside the Goldstein Fitness Center, but the early deficit set the tone as Pace slipped to 6-13 overall and 2-8 in conference play.
The opening 10 minutes unfolded at a steady pace, with Pace matching AIC possession for possession.
Ciara Collins opened the scoring with a strong take to the rim, and
Anisa Akinola followed with a three-pointer to keep the Setters within one possession early.
LyNeta Brand added an interior finish as Pace continued to answer, but American International closed the quarter with a slight edge, 16-14.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Pace struggled to find consistent offense. The Setters were held to six points in the period, while the Yellow Jackets capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to extend the margin. Collins and Akinola each converted at the free-throw line to slow the run, but American International carried a 33–20 advantage into halftime.
Pace showed renewed energy coming out of the locker room. Akinola knocked down an early three to open the third quarter, and
Claire Fitzpatrick provided a spark off the bench with consecutive baskets as the Setters trimmed the deficit to 13. Pace continued to defend and compete on the glass, but AIC responded to each push and maintained a 49–37 lead heading into the final period.
The Setters continued to battle in the fourth quarter, turning in their most efficient offensive stretch of the night. Fitzpatrick connected from deep, while
Grace Ziogas and Brand added finishes in transition as Pace shot over 40 percent in the period. Despite the late surge, American International closed the game at the free-throw line to seal the 17-point win.
Fitzpatrick led Pace with a team-high 16 points, while Akinola added 12 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. Collins finished with 10 points and two blocks, and Brand contributed eight points and eight rebounds.
The Setters return to the road on Saturday, traveling to Franklin Pierce University for a 1:30 p.m. Northeast 10 matchup.
