Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. – Fueled by a trio of first-half goals, the Pace University field hockey team put together a 3-1 win over Mercy College on Wednesday afternoon in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. The Setters now stand at 4-0 this season, continuing their best start in program history.

It was another dominant effort for the Blue and Gold, who outshot the Mavericks by a 21-5 margin. Pace put forth 17 shots on goal, compared just three for the home team. Senior goalkeeper Lesly Sanchez Alvarez (Stamford, CT/Stamford) made a pair of saves to earn her fourth win in net.

Halley Rose (Dauphin, PA/Central Dauphin) began the scoring for the Setters at 9:12 of the first half, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The junior received a cross from freshman Lisette de Bruin (Bilthoven, Netherlands/Het Nieuwe Lyceum) before lifting a shot over the Mercy keeper.

Rose continued the pressure for Pace, setting up each of the Setters' other two goals of the half. Rose dished out a pair of assists to Lieke van Nieuwenhuizen (Utrecht, Netherlands/St. Bonifatius), who recorded the first goals of her collegiate career.

Van Nieuwenhuizen's first tally came at 19:09 off a cross from Rose, while her second goal provided Pace a 3-0 lead at 21:41.

Holding a 3-0 lead after the break, Pace outshot the Mavericks, 11-2, in the second half. Julia Amell made seven saves in net to keep the home team within striking distance.

Mercy's lone tally came from Alicia Williams at 44:41 off of a rebound opportunity

Up Next
The Setters take their perfect record on the road once again on Sunday. Pace will visit Merrimack for a 2 p.m. start.