MADISON, N.J. – The Drew University women's basketball team trailed by single digits early in the fourth quarter, but Montclair State University pulled away down the stretch and the Red Hawks handed the Rangers a 68-49 setback in a non-conference tilt Saturday afternoon in Baldwin Gym.
 
Junior forward Gianna Pica posted 18 points and six rebounds for the Rangers (1-1) while sophomore guard Amy Rachilla recorded 13 points and four assists. Fifth-year forward Gracie Hezel and sophomore guard Alice Altomare contributed three steals each.
 
Alyssa Craigwell led Montclair State (3-0) with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocked shots.
 
The Rangers led most of the way in a close opening quarter, and Drew carried a 21-19 lead into the second quarter. The Red Hawks outscored the Rangers 20-9 in the second period, however, to assume a 39-30 lead at the half.
 
Montclair stretched its lead to 15 midway through the third quarter and led 49-38 going into the final period. Pica scored the first two baskets of the final period to pull the Rangers back to within seven, but that's when Montclair used a 9-2 run to break it open.
 
Drew continues its season-opening five-homestand on Wednesday, when it takes on Moravian University in its Landmark Conference opener starting at 7 p.m.