WALTHAM, Mass. (2/12/25) - The Franklin Pierce women's basketball team put up a strong fight against nationally ranked Bentley but ultimately fell 87-74 on Wednesday night at the Charles A. Dana Center. Despite an early lead and a competitive first half, the Falcons used a dominant third quarter to pull away.

Score: FPU 53, Bentley 69
Records: FPU (8-15,5-12 NE10), Bentley (23-1,15-1 NE10)
Location: Charles A. Dana Center, Waltham, Mass.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Leana Heitmann (Syracuse, N.Y.) opened the scoring for the Ravens with a three-pointer, making it 5-3 two minutes into the game.
• Colette Mulderig's (Scranton, Pa.) turn-around jumper kept Franklin Pierce close at 11-14, and Janessa Gonzalez's (Meriden, Conn.) free throws brought the Ravens within one to end the first quarter.
• Gonzalez scored early in the second quarter to give the Ravens a 15-14 lead, but Bentley responded to regain control.
• A deep three from Gonzalez at 6:38 and a late three from Paige Slaven (Long Beach Island, N.J.) brought Franklin Pierce within one, but Bentley held a 29-25 lead at halftime.
• Sara Macary (Naugatuck, Conn.) opened the second half with a deep two-pointer, cutting Bentley's lead to two.
• Bentley responded with a 10-2 run and extended their lead to as much as 17 in the third quarter, carrying a 55-38 advantage into the fourth.
• Mulderig made a late push with key baskets, cutting the deficit to 46-60 and later to 53-66 with 1:38 remaining.
• Bentley maintained control and secured a 69-53 victory.

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:

• Colette Mulderig led the team with 19 points.
• The Ravens shot 31.9% from the field. The Falcons shot 43.6%.
• The Ravens shot 33.3% from three-point range. The Falcons shot 40.0%.
• The Ravens had 23 rebounds while the Falcons had 32.

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens return home for two final home games in the Fieldhouse. They will take on the Setters of Pace University, Saturday, for a 3:30 tip-off.