LAKELAND, Fla. – Facing a pair of tough non-conference opponents to begin the 2017 season, the Pace University volleyball team dropped contests to Florida Southern College (3-0) and No. 17 Western Washington University (3-0) on Friday.

Although Pace was unable to get in the win column, the Setters gained some valuable experience against tough competition. The Blue and Gold were able to rotate 14 different players into the lineup over the two matches, including four freshmen.

Junior Claudia Fontanet (Bayamon, Puerto Rico/Academia Maria Reina), a first-team All-NE10 performer last season, led Pace's offense with 12 kills. She also added 14 digs and a pair of aces.

Sophomore Natalia Quinones registered team-highs in both kills (six) and hitting percentage (385) in the loss to nationally ranked Western Washington.

Classmate Danielle Vaiano (Seaford, NY/St. Anthony's) led Pace in the digs column, totaling 26 over the two matches. She also chipped in a pair of service aces.

Freshmen Elien Peeters (Herdersem, Belgium/Onze Lieve Vrouwecollege), Hildur Davidsdottir (Mosfellsbaer, Iceland/), Christal Wong (Elk Grove, CA/Cosumnes Oaks), and Nicole Pivetti (Modena, Italy/Liceo Wiligelmo) each saw their first collegiate action on Friday. Peeters finished the day with four kills.

Up Next
The Setters continue their stretch down south with matches against No. 17 University of Tampa (10:30 a.m.) and Central Washington University (5 p.m.) on Saturday.