ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – The 13th ranked Pace University women's lacrosse team started off its 2023 season with a victory Wednesday evening, as the Setters defeated Molloy University 19-5 in a road matchup with the Lions.

Pace got off to a strong start, scoring seven goals in the opening frame. Junior midfielder Angelina Porcello (Eastchester, N.Y./Eastchester) had two goals in the period, while grad student midfielder Aleya Corretjer (Thiells, N.Y./North Rockland) had one goal and two assists in the first 15 minutes.

Porcello picked up her third of the night early in the second quarter as the Setters extended their lead to 8-2. Grad student midfielder Emma Rafferty (Bay Shore, N.Y./Islip) then got going, scoring the first of her team-high six goals on the night. A pair of late goals by Porcello and midfielder Kayla Conway (Wantagh, N.Y./Wantagh) extended the Pace lead to 11-4 at the half.

After the teams traded goals early in the third, Rafferty scored three consecutive goals to add on to the lead. Sophomore attacker Nikki Mottes (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) added two goals in the period as well, as the Setters cruised to a 16-5 advantage heading into the fourth. The visitors added three more goals in the fourth, getting off to a 1-0 start on the season with a 19-5 victory.

Rafferty led the team with six goals, while Porcello had four. Corretjer had one goal and three assists, and five different Setters caused a turnover on the night. Junior keeper Ashley Belfiore (Manorville, N.Y./Eastport South Manor) got the win in net for Pace, making four saves on the night.

Up Next
The Setters are back on the road Saturday, March 4, as they take on East Stroudsburg University at noon.