WALTHAM, MA – The College of Saint Rose had its march through the Northeast-10 Conference tournament halted with a 67-59 setback to top-seed and 17th ranked Bentley at the Dana Athletic Center this evening.

In the process, the Falcons (24-4) avenged a 70-60 loss to the Golden Knights (21-7) back on January 26 in Albany and also snapped the College's seven-game win streak. Meanwhile, Bentley has won nine of its last 10 since its trek to Albany.

The Falcons will now host Franklin Pierce in Sunday's conference championship game at 1:00 pm. The Ravens advanced with a 90-75 victory tonight against visiting Assumption in Rindge, NH.

Saint Rose was outscored by a 36-20 margin in the paint and was also hurt by 25.0 percent (7-for-28) shooting from the arc. Regardless, the Golden Knights hung tough and were still within striking distance during the final 14 minutes.

Saint Rose pulled to within six points on four occasions and was within four at three different junctures throughout that time frame. Junior forward Amy Voelkel made it a 60-54 ballgame with 2:21 remaining thanks to a 3-pointer. Bentley then missed two shots on its next trip up the floor, before junior forward Ali Johnson finished inside and thus brought the Golden Knights back to within four.

However, Bentley senior guard Kim Brennan scored off a baseline drive and then canned two free throws to put the Falcons in the catbird seat, 64-56, with only 20 seconds showing on the clock. A 3-pointer by senior guard Lynsey Timbrouck got Saint Rose back to within five at 64-59, but the Falcons went 3-for-4 from the foul line in the waning moments to seal the victory.

Johnson and Voelkel led Saint Rose. Johnson was one shy of her career-high with 19 points to go with nine rebounds, a career-high five assists and three blocks. Voelkel wound up with 13 points and nine boards as well. Additionally, junior guards Ashley Rath and Ola Shajuyigbe added 10 points apiece as the Golden Knights put four players in twin-figures for the ninth time this season.

As for Bentley, freshman forward Lauren Battista had a hand in 14 of her team's 24 field goals. Battista finished with 22 points, behind 9-for-13 shooting, and also handed out five assists. Brennan tossed in 19 points, while sophomore guard Courtney Finn finished with a career-high 17 points and eight rebounds.

Despite tonight's outcome, Saint Rose still appears to be in good shape for its 11th NCAA Tournament appearance within the past 17 years. The 64-team field is scheduled to be announced this Sunday, March 6 at 9:30 pm. The selection show is being streamed live via the internet at www.ncaa.com.

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