ROCHESTER, N.Y. — D'Youville (10-14, 7-9 ECC) fell to Roberts Wesleyan (5-18, 2-13 ECC), 54-51, in a closely contested matchup at Voller Athletic Center on Saturday. The Saints led after the first quarter, posting 17 points, but managed only seven in the second, allowing the Redhawks to take a halftime lead. Despite a late push with 17 points in the final quarter, the Saints were unable to overcome the deficit.

The first quarter commenced with D'Youville establishing an early presence, highlighted by Molly O'Toole's (Rochester, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute) 3-pointer at 7:03 to tie the game at 3-3. The Saints' scoring in the paint proved crucial, with Morgan Giancaterino (Orchard Park, N.Y. / Sacred Heart Academy) contributing significant points through layups. O'Toole's jumper at 1:17 extended the lead to 15-11. As the quarter concluded, O'Toole added two free throws with one second remaining, securing a 17-13 lead for the Saints at the end of the quarter.

D'Youville saw a brief momentum with Allie Hall's (Rochester, N.Y. / Bishop Kearney) jumper at 8:08, which gave it a 19–17 lead. However, a series of turnovers and missed opportunities allowed the Redhawks to regain control, highlighted by a fastbreak layup at 8:59 and Cristina Gonzalez's jumper at 6:20, pushing the home team ahead. Despite a late 3-pointer by Xanthippi Karatasiou (Katerini, Greece / Kontariotissa) at 2:27, the Saints trailed 28–24 by the end of the second quarter.

The Saints made a push in the third quarter, with Megan Fedor (Elmira, N.Y. / Elmira) hitting two free throws at 7:57 to narrow the gap, and Giancaterino adding a layup at 6:34. Despite a solid defensive effort, including three steals, the Saints struggled with shooting efficiency, converting only four of 14 shots. The Redhawks managed to maintain their lead, aided by a critical 3-pointer from Laura Granada at 5:09. The quarter concluded with a layup from O'Toole at the buzzer, but the Saints trailed 41-34 heading into the final quarter.

D'Youville staged a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap with a series of key plays. Alyssa Neumann (Silverdale, Wash. / Central Kitsap) led the charge with a layup at 6:17, followed by a 3-pointer that tied the game at 49 with 3:45 remaining. Despite the Saints' efforts to take the lead, the Redhawks managed to hold on, securing a jumper at 1:43 to put them ahead. The Saints' attempts to respond were thwarted, and the game concluded with a 54-51 victory for the Redhawks.

Neumann led with 15 points and two blocks, making 7 of 9 shots. O'Toole recorded a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds. Giancaterino contributed 10 points and three assists while also adding two steals. Karatasiou scored five points and collected five rebounds.

Up Next
Despite the loss, the Saints clinch the #4 seed in the East Coast Conference Tournament. The Saints will host #5 Staten Island at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 4th.