NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – Returning to action for the first time in two weeks, the Pace University football team fell to 3-3 on the season with a 44-10 defeat at Merrimack College on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops the Setters' record in the Northeast-10 Conference to 2-3.

Inside the Numbers
Pace had a tough time getting things going on the offensive side of the ball, tallying season-lows in both passing (74) and rushing yards (87). Conference-leading running back junior Jhalen Bien-Aime (Dorchester, MA/Bridgton Academy) led the charge as he has done all season, rushing for 62 yards. Bien-Aime was also involved in the Setters' lone touchdown of the day, tossing a three-yard scoring pass to senior tight end Prince Unaegbu (Boston, MA/Brighton). The score was Unaegbu's second touchdown on the season, and his second in two games.

While the offense had a tough day, wide receiver Darius Jones (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) had a season-best performance. The sophomore wideout picked up a season-high 45 yards on four receptions. Saturday's contest was the fourth time that Jones has reached four catches this season.

Senior Dan Pelish (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) was the leading playmaker for the Setters' defense. The defensive lineman had a season-high 12 tackles, including one for a loss. The busy day moves Pelish to second on the team in tackles for the season, trailing only classmate Matthew Corrie (South Setauket, NY/Ward Melville). The senior linebacker had 11 tackles of his own on the day, and now has 50 for the season.

Junior defensive back B'Jon Couther (San Lorenzo, CA/San Lorenzo) picked up where he left off against Bentley University, forcing his third fumble in two games. Couther is now tied with Corrie for the team lead in forced fumbles this year. Freshman linebacker Menkare Fleming-Gawthney (Bloomfield, NJ/Bloomfield) also forced a fumble, his first of the season.

How it Happened
It was not a start that the Setters had hoped for in their return to the gridiron. The Blue and Gold found themselves down 21-0 and later 27-3 in the first half. The Setters, who have been strong on special teams all season long, had a punt blocked on their opening possession, while also fumbling a kickoff in the second quarter.

The Blue and Gold were able to get on the scoreboard late in the second quarter off a 28-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Pat Davis (Forked River, NJ/Lacey Township). The score was set up by a 10-play, 69-yard drive, highlighted by a 17-yard run from Bien-Aime and a 19-yard scramble from quarterback Dan Anerella (Old Bridge, NJ/Manalapan).

After surrendering another touchdown to close out the first half, the Blue and Gold defense came out tough to open the third quarter. The Setters were able to force an opening three-and-out, putting the offense in position to capitalize. Pace marched 66 yards down the field to cap off its opening drive in the half with a touchdown. Finding the end zone with a bit of trickery for the second-straight game, Bien-Aime took a direct snap and connected with Unaegbu for a three-yard pass play that brought the score to 27-10.

Merrimack responded with a touchdown of its own on its next drive before tacking on a field goal to go up 37-10 in the fourth quarter.

Up Next
The Setters return home next Saturday to host Saint Anselm College on Homecoming Weekend in Pleasantville. Kickoff between Pace and the Hawks is set for 1 p.m.