WINONA LAKE, Ind. – A late-game charge for Grace's women's basketball team came up short 58-53 against IU South Bend on Wednesday.

The Lady Lancers (0-2) trailed by as many as 11 in the second half but nearly pulled off a memorable comeback at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

Grace sputtered out of the gate in the first quarter. The Lady Lancers fell behind 17-5 late in the quarter after making only 3-of-10 from the floor. Grace ended the quarter on a 5-0 spurt to cut its deficit to 17-10.

The second quarter started better for Grace. Rachel Montgomery scored two quick baskets, and Grace sliced the Titans' lead down to three.

IUSB rebuilt its cushion back up to 11 thanks to a pair of 3-pointers and went into halftime with a 31-23 lead. Montgomery converted a last-second layup to give Grace a boost into the break.

Kelsie Peterson led Grace with eight first-half points. The Titans (1-0) had a dominant 22-11 rebounding edge while shooting 43 percent from the field.

The Lady Lancers made a rally in the third quarter. Pesky fullcourt defense from Grace began to give the Titans issues.

Grace held IUSB scoreless for the final three minutes of the period, and a late 3-pointer from Lauren Godfrey cut the Titans' margin to five.

The fourth quarter saw Grace nearly finish off a comeback in front of the home crowd. Pam Miller started the quarter with back-to-back scores, and Kyannah Stull buried a 3-pointer with 2:53 remaining to make the score 51-48.

After a basket by IUSB, Peterson answered with another triple as Grace trailed by two. Grace then forced a turnover, and Miller scored in the paint to tie the game 53-53.

Unfortunately for Grace, the Lady Lancers could not score another point for the remaining 50 seconds. IUSB capitalized from the foul line, hitting five free throws down the stretch. Grace had a costly turnover and missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer at the end.

Peterson led all players with 19 points, and Miller and Godfrey each scored eight. Stull scored seven points to go along with three assists, and Montgomery added four points and three rebounds in 14 minutes.

The Lady Lancers are on the road next weekend, playing in a two-game classic at Cardinal Stritch on Nov. 3-4.