SPRINGFIELD, MA – In two close-knit matchups, the Pace University softball team triumphed over American International College 8-6 in game one, and dropped game two, 6-7. The Blue and Gold improve to 15-7 overall, and 4-2 in the Northeast-10.  

Game One  

Behind a five-run seventh inning, Pace rallied from down three runs to secure an 8-6 game one victory over American International. 

Brianna Shea's solo home run in the third inning gave the Setters an early 2-1 lead in what would be a back-and-forth affair. After Jade Alvarado knocked home another run in the next inning, the Yellow Jackets broke open the scoring in the bottom of the fourth. 

Three runs came across the plate in the inning giving American International a one-run advantage, 4-3. The Yellow Jackets poured on two more in the sixth increasing their lead to 6-3 with Pace trailing late in the game.  

With their backs against the wall in the seventh inning, the Setters came through driving in five runs in an impressive showing at the plate. Four of the five runs were earned as Katerina Luna tallied two RBIs in the inning, while Willa Poplawski and Alvarado added one apiece.  

Following the spectacular inning, pitcher Alyssa Smart kept the Yellow jackets quiet and put the finishing touches on Pace's improbable comeback with an 8-6 win.  

Smart earned the win on the mound out of the bullpen in her three-inning outing. Offensively, the Setters were highlighted by the duo of Alvarado and Luna. The pair both had two hits in the contest to go with 2 RBIs. 

Game Two 

In game two, American International rallied from behind five runs to split the doubleheader with Pace. After the Blue and Gold scored five runs in the first four innings, the Yellow Jackets would outscore the Setters 7-1 in the second half of the contest.  

An untimely error in the fifth kick started American International's comeback as they trimmed into Pace's lead 6-4. The Yellowjackets completed their comeback with three runs in the seventh walking off with a two-RBI double from Samantha Sanchez. 

Alvarado continued her productive day in game two posting two more RBIs off one hit. Riley Jenkins (2-for-3, 2 RBIs) and Jenny Gordon (2-for-3, 1 RBI) were also effective for Pace at the dish. 

Up Next 

Next in store for the Setters is a home doubleheader tomorrow afternoon versus the College of Saint Rose.