PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – With the fall semester quickly approaching, so too is football season at Pace University. The Setters will begin the 2018 campaign with a trip to Millersville University on Thursday night. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. from Biemesderfer Stadium.

Returning Record Setter
Jhalen Bien-Aime (Dorchester, MA/Bridgton Academy) returns to Pleasantville for his senior season following a 2017 that earned him a spot in the Pace record books. Bien-Aime ran for 1,040 yards last season, setting a single-season program record. The All-NE10 first teamer has another team record in his sights, needing just 554 yards to become the program's all-time leading rusher.

Changing of the Guard
Part of the recipe for Bien-Aime's success last season was strong play from the offensive line. The front five will feature a bit of a different look in 2018, with only four players returning that saw game action last season. Junior Matthew Snow (Henrietta, NY/Rush-Henrietta) is one of those returnees, entering the new year with 18 career starts. Snow earned a spot on the NE10's All-Rookie Team in 2016.

Durable Defense
Despite losing Northeast-10 All-Conference first-teamer, Matthew Corrie (South Setauket, NY/Ward Melville), the Setters return a number of playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. Kadeem Langhorne (Baldwin, NY/Baldwin) begins his senior year with 22 career tackles-for-loss, including a conference-best 14.5 in 2016. Joe Mendez (Old Bridge, NJ/Manalapan) and Dan Pelish (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) will also be back in the front-seven after combining for 88 tackles a year ago.  

Strength of Schedule
The Setters gear up for another slate of strong opponents, with five of Pace's 10 opponents coming off winning records a year ago. Among them are Assumption and LIU Post, both of which ended 2017 ranked in the Super Region One regional rankings.

Down to the Wire
The Setters were no strangers to nail-biters last season, with five of their games being decided by a single score, including three one-point decisions. The Blue and Gold hope to use their experience in close contests to generate success in 2018.

Home Sweet Home
Coach Rondeau's squad enjoyed their best home season since 2002 last season, picking up three wins at Pace Stadium. The Setters aim to replicate that success when the home schedule begins on Sept. 8 against New Haven.

Promotion Season
Speaking of home success, the Pace faithful will be able to enjoy a promotion at each of the Setters' games at the stadium this season. Below is a full list.

Sept. 8 – Blue-Out T-Shirt Giveaway (vs. New Haven)
Sept. 21 – Pace Goes Pink (vs. Assumption)
Sept. 29 – Coach to Cure MD Game (vs. Stonehill)
Oct. 27 – Homecoming (vs. Southern Connecticut State)
Nov. 3 – Senior Day/T-Bone Bobblehead Giveaway (vs. Merrimack)
 
For all information regarding Pace University football, log on to www.PaceUAthletics.com and follow the team on Twitter (@Pace_Football) and Instagram (@pace_football).