PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. -- The 2023 Pace University Football home opener saw a close to four-hour weather delay, but when the weather subsided, Pace was defeated by the University of Findlay, 40-25.

Pace (0-2) stays at home for its next contest, opening NE10 play by hosting Franklin Pierce on Saturday, Sept. 16 at noon at Northwell Stadium.

Findlay recorded the only points in the first quarter, courtesy of a 13 yard strike from Alec Bornhorst to Mitch Nielson. 

Bornhorst found the end zone in the second quarter again, this time on a four yard run to make the score 14-0 in favor of the Oilers. They tacked on a field goal to extend the lead to 17-0.

Findlay was looking to grow the lead some more but the Pace defense delivered a big play when they needed one. Nathan Daguimol picked off Bornhorst to stop the drive in its tracks with just under a minute left in the first half. That was the second interception in as many drives for the Pace defense. The interception led to a field goal by Dylan Squillacioti to make the score at the break 19-3.

Pace 's special team's was the next group to step up and make a big play. After the defense forced the Oilers' into punting, Anthony Robinson broke through the protection and blocked the punt. Eliot Porter picked the loose ball up near the Pace bench and brought it back for a touchdown. Following the PAT, the lead was down to 19-10.

Findlay responded with a touchdown of their own, utilizing a trick play on the next drive which saw Mason Alberts find Bornhorst for a touchdown to return the lead to 16, 26-10.

In the final quarter, Pace's first drive saw the team put together a strong drive featuring strong play on all facets of the offense. It culminated in a 20-yard strike from Isreal Lopez to Lamar Moore. The PAT brought Pace within nine, 26-17.

Findlay scored once again, making the score 33-17. A couple drives later, Teddy Harper caught a 79-yard touchdown from Aiden Kennedy to stay in the game. However, Bornhorst ran another touchdown in to seal the team's fate.

Harper finished 134 receiving yards while more hauled in 67. Each also scored a touchdown.