RINDGE, N.H. – Pace University Women's Basketball made a strong push coming out of halftime on Saturday afternoon, trimming a double-digit deficit to one possession in the second half before coming up short in a 54–46 Northeast 10 Conference loss at Franklin Pierce University. The Setters showed resilience on the road, but a slow second quarter ultimately proved decisive as the squad now sits at 6-14 overall.

Pace came out sharp in the opening quarter, as Ciara Collins set the tone offensively with aggressive drives to the basket. The Setters matched Franklin Pierce early and stayed within striking distance through the first 10 minutes, trailing just 11-9 after one, behind solid defensive pressure and work on the glass.

Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Pace struggled to find consistent offense. Franklin Pierce capitalized on the scoring drought, outscoring the Setters 15–4 in the period to open up a 26-13 lead at the break despite Pace continuing to compete defensively.

The Setters responded immediately after halftime with their best stretch of the afternoon. Collins continued to attack inside, while Anisa Akinola controlled the paint on both ends as Pace surged back into the game. The Setters outscored Franklin Pierce 21–8 in the third quarter, pulling within one possession late and briefly swinging momentum before the hosts carried a narrow 34-32 advantage into the final 10 minutes.

The fourth quarter unfolded as a tight battle. Pace tied the game at 36–36 early in the period on a basket from Akinola, but Franklin Pierce answered with timely scoring and trips to the free-throw line down the stretch. Pace continued to fight until the final horn, including late baskets in transition, but the hosts sealed the game from the stripe.

Collins led all scorers with 25 points on 10-of-25 shooting, adding four rebounds and three steals. Akinola recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the effort inside the paint.

Up next, the Setters remain on the road and will travel to Southern Connecticut State University for a Wednesday 5:30 p.m. Northeast 10 Conference matchup.