ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. — D'Youville (7-8, 4-3 ECC) fell to Molloy College (5-11, 3-2 ECC), 69-65, in a closely contested game at Bob Houlihan Gymnasium. D'Youville led by five points after the first quarter but was outscored by eight in the final quarter. 

D'Youville opened the game with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Ava Pearson's (Colonie, N.Y. / Colonie) 3-pointer at 9:37, following Alyssa Neumann's (Silverdale, Wash. / Central Kitsap) offensive rebound and assist. Neumann contributed significantly throughout the quarter, adding a layup and converting two free throws to extend D'Youville's lead. The team maintained momentum with effective ball movement, as evidenced by Megan Fedor's (Elmira, N.Y. / Elmira) 3-pointer at 6:24, assisted by Morgan Giancaterino (Orchard Park, N.Y. / Sacred Heart Academy). D'Youville led 21–16 at the end of the first quarter.

The Saints displayed resilience in the second quarter, responding to an early Molloy lead with a pivotal three-pointer by Pearson at 8:12, assisted by Molly O'Toole (Rochester, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute). This play initiated a series of successful possessions, highlighted by a jumper from Neumann at 6:49 to extend their edge. Despite the Lions' efforts to counter, D'Youville maintained momentum with another three-pointer from O'Toole at 5:20. The quarter ended in a 19–19 stalemate, with D'Youville holding a narrow overall lead.

D'Youville opened the third quarter with a key jumper from Pearson at 9:01, extending their lead to seven points. Neumann added a defensive block and a successful jumper, pushing the score to 44–35, before Molloy narrowed the gap with a 3-pointer. Despite the Lions' attempts to close in, including a late layup, D'Youville maintained their edge through a fast-break 3-pointer by Trinity Small at 1:17, assisted by Giancaterino. The quarter concluded with D'Youville leading 51–48.

O'Toole propelled D'Youville into an early fourth-quarter lead with a 3-pointer at 9:51, followed by a successful free throw, extending their advantage to 55–48. Despite D'Youville's efforts, including a critical steal by Allie Hall (Rochester, N.Y. / Bishop Kearney) and O'Toole's timely baskets, the Lions managed to close the gap through a series of successful free throws and three-pointers. Pearson's free throws tied the game at 65, but Molloy edged ahead with a late layup, sealing the victory after final free throws. The game concluded with a 69–65 win for the Lions.

O'Toole led the team with 17 points, converting four of six from beyond the arc and adding six rebounds. Neumann posted a double-double, scoring 16 points and collecting 10 rebounds, while also recording three blocks. Pearson contributed 15 points, making five field goals, including three 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. Samantha Ruhlman (Warren, Pa. / Warren Area) facilitated the offense with four assists.

Looking ahead, D'Youville will travel to Queens College for their next matchup on Sunday, Jan. 18. The game is set for 1 p.m. in Flushing, New York.