BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (10-15, 7-9 ECC) fell to the College of Staten Island (12-17, 7-9 ECC), 60-55, in a closely contested game at Saints Center Gym. The Saints led by as many as 17 points at halftime, but the Dolphins surged in the second half, outscoring the hosts 43-21. D'Youville's bench contributed 16 points, while it also posted 39 rebounds.

D'Youville started the game with strong defensive play, converting two steals into points early on. Molly O'Toole's (Rochester, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute) fast-break jumper at 5:12 gave the Saints a 9–4 edge, which they maintained through consistent shooting and defensive rebounds. Ava Pearson's (Colonie, N.Y. / Colonie) assist to Megan Fedor's (Elmira, N.Y. / Elmira) 3-pointer at 0:56 extended the lead. The quarter ended with D'Youville leading 16–8.

D'Youville surged in the second quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Samantha Ruhlman (Warren, Pa. / Warren Area) at 2:32, extending its lead to 31-10. Fedor contributed with a layup early in the quarter, while Pearson assisted on key plays, including a fast-break 3-pointer. D'Youville's defense was effective, forcing several turnovers and limiting Staten Island's scoring opportunities. The quarter ended with the Saints leading 34-17.

D'Youville maintained its momentum in the third quarter with a key three-pointer by Xanthippi Karatasiou (Katerini, Greece / Kontariotissa) at the 8:28 mark, extending its lead. O'Toole added a significant layup, helping to build a buffer against Staten Island's scoring efforts. Despite Staten Island's push, including a three-pointer with 1:10 remaining, D'Youville held firm, closing the quarter with a 48-39 lead.

D'Youville faced a challenging fourth quarter, highlighted by an early tie at 49-49. Pearson briefly reignited the offense with a 3-pointer at 2:50, assisted by Morgan Giancaterino (Orchard Park, N.Y. / Sacred Heart Academy), narrowing the gap to 56-53. O'Toole added a layup at 1:21, bringing the score to 58-55. Staten Island capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks, however, and closed with a decisive free throw, ending the game at 60-55 in the Dolphins' favor.

Pearson led the scoring for D'Youville with 12 points, making four 3-pointers and recording six assists. O'Toole contributed significantly on the boards, finishing with 10 rebounds while adding eight points. Alyssa Neumann (Silverdale, Wash. / Central Kitsap) tallied nine points, collected seven rebounds, and added a block. Trinity Small (West Chester Township, OH / Purcell Marian)  added two points and grabbed a pair of rebounds.