PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – The Pace University field hockey team officially announced its 2017 schedule and promotions on Monday. Led by second-year head coach Kayte Kinsley, the Setters will play an 18-game slate in their third varsity season that includes eight contests at Peter X. Finnerty Field.

The Blue and Gold are coming off a 9-9 season last fall, signifying a three-win improvement from the program's maiden season in 2015. Pace also jumped in the NE10 standings, finishing three slots higher from year-to-year.

Looking to keep the momentum rolling, the Setters will begin the new campaign on August 31 at home against Saint Thomas Aquinas College (3 p.m.). Pace was victorious at STAC last year by a score of 4-0. Fans in attendance for the season opener will receive schedule posters and magnets.

The Setters will follow with a pair games versus NE10 squads as part of their non-conference schedule. First up, it will be a trip to Southern Connecticut State on Sept. 6. Pace has never lost to the Owls, seizing a pair of one-goal triumphs over the last two seasons.

The Blue and Gold will then host Assumption on Sept. 9 for "Youth Day" at Finnerty Field. Children in attendance will get a chance to meet the team after the game and receive a free poster for autographs.

Following a road matchup at Mercy College (Sept. 13), Pace will officially begin NE10 action with an expedition to Merrimack College on Sept. 17. The Setters are 1-1 in conference openers and have split their two games against the Warriors.

The Blue and Gold return home to take on American International College on Sept. 20. Pace and AIC have battled in a pair of one-goal contests over the last two years, with the Yellow Jackets prevailing each time.  

After AIC, the Setters will head to the reigning NE10 regular-season champion, Saint Anselm College, on Sept. 23. The Setters will also travel to the 2016 NE10 Tournament champion and NCAA Runner-up, LIU Post, on Oct. 4.

Pace will hold its third home promotion of the season on Sept. 26 for its game against Adelphi. Fans in attendance will receive a free Pace Athletics t-shirt.

The Setters' final non-conference tilt will feature a first-ever matchup against Molloy College on Sept. 30. Pace will travel to Rockville Centre, N.Y. for a 1 p.m. start.

The Blue and Gold will celebrate "Family Weekend" by hosting Bentley on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. It will also be the squad's "Pace Goes Pink" Game. "Pace Goes Pink" is the annual Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) initiative to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. Fans will have an opportunity to purchase special edition t-shirts with proceeds going to benefit the Northern Westchester Hospital Breast Institute.

Three days later, the Setters will stay home to take on Southern New Hampshire University at 4 p.m. Pace will be looking for its third-straight triumph over the Penmen.

Following three-consecutive road trips to conference foes, Franklin Pierce University (Oct. 14), Assumption College (Oct. 18) and Stonehill College (Oct. 21), the Blue and Gold will wrap up the regular season with a pair of home contests.

Southern Connecticut State University makes the return trip to Peter X. Finnerty Field on Oct. 24 before Pace celebrates "Senior Day" on Oct. 28 against Saint Michael's College (4 p.m.).

About Pace University Athletics
Pace University is an NCAA Division II member of the Northeast-10 Conference that sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports. In each of the last two semesters, 72 percent of Pace student-athletes achieved a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, and nine teams have been honored with the NE10 Team Excellence Award since 2011. Pace teams have made 13 NCAA appearances since 2011. In 2015-16, the department unveiled a multi-million dollar facility upgrade that includes two new turf fields. In addition, the new state-of-the-art 14,010 square foot Ianniello Field House recently opened with new locker rooms, new strength and conditioning facilities and a sports medicine component.  

For all information regarding Pace University Athletics log on to www.PaceUAthletics.com and follow Pace Athletics on Facebook (T-Bone, Official Mascot of Pace University Athletics), Twitter (@PaceUAthletics) and Instagram (@PaceAthletics).