WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's women's basketball could not piece together the upset on Saturday, falling to No. 4 Marian 93-60.
Grace's offense was largely muted in the first half as the teams played almost evenly after halftime.
Vironnica Drake led the Lady Lancers (14-8, 5-5 Crossroads League) with 16 points, and Maddie Ryman had 15 points.
Grace had a forgettable performance in the first quarter. The Lady Lancers were sloppy at the start with two turnovers and four missed shots over the first six possessions.
Drake's jumper broke Grace's slump, but Marian led 11-3 after five minutes of play.
Grace trailed 23-8 after the first quarter. The Lady Lancers shot 3-of-12 from the floor and made just one of their five 3-point attempts.
Ryman was a bright spot offensively, scoring five of the team's eight points off the bench.
The second quarter had a similar story. The Lady Lancers were held scoreless for the first five minutes of the period.
The Knights (19-3, 8-2 CL) took advantage with 19 straight points. Brooke Treadway ended the drought with a layup with 4:35 left in the half, but Grace faced a 42-10 deficit at that point.
Grace did find its offense to end the half, but the home team trailed 49-19 at halftime.
Ryman had nine points to lead Grace, and Treadway added four. Grace could only muster six points from its starting unit to start the half.
The Lady Lancers shot 20 percent from the floor with 11 turnovers; Marian shot 45 percent overall.
Grace's attack was significantly better in the third quarter. The Lady Lancers bettered their entire output from the first half, scoring 23 points in the period.
Drake gave Grace a boost with seven early points after halftime; the senior guard had 11 points in the quarter. Micaela Box added four late four throws in the period.
Marian scored 23 points in the third quarter to maintain a comfortable margin.
The fourth quarter was played evenly as the Knights coasted to the victory.
Drake's 16 points came with six boards and two steals, and Ryman amassed 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Treadway scored eight points off the bench, Kyannah Stull had seven points and two assists, and Kaylie Warble added eight boards.
Grace will hit the road next week, playing at Goshen on Wednesday and at Huntington on Saturday.
