MANCHESTER, N.Y. – In a tough midweek outing, Pace University Volleyball came up short in its third road test of the NE10 slate, dropping a 3-0 decision at Saint Anselm College on Wednesday evening (25-22, 25-10, 25-16). The Setters (8-7, 0-4 NE10) fought hard, especially early, but were unable to contain a determined Hawks squad on its home floor.
Pace opened the match with energy, taking advantage of deep defensive work and consistent service pressure. The first set featured multiple lead changes and long rallies as both teams jockeyed for momentum. Behind kills from
Skyler Tennant,
Cyanna Shirley, and
Jaliyah Johnson, the Setters pushed Saint Anselm to the wire. At 22-22, Pace had an opportunity to seize a set, but the Hawks responded with two late points to close it out.
In the second, Saint Anselm gained control through a dominant serving stretch, pulling away while Pace's offense was forced into tight swings. The Hawks' pressure on serve and the back line kept the Setters from establishing rhythm, and the home team closed out 25-10 to take a commanding 2–0 lead.
Facing elimination, Pace attempted a push in the third. Off the bench,
Keelah Chambliss provided an offensive spark with three kills on five swings (.600), while Tennant continued to make plays all over the floor, finishing the match with six kills and 12 digs. Shirley and Johnson each chipped in four kills, and
Kadence Ackmann added five. Up front,
Emily Cineus registered three kills along with one solo and one assisted block, and
Ileann Alessandra Perez contributed with a block assist.
Despite their efforts, the Setters' deficit proved too steep to overcome in the third, and Saint Anselm closed the match 3-0. Tennant's all-around performance led the way, while Shirley, Johnson, Ackmann, Cineus, Perez, Rodriguez, Saulys, and Bender all made contributions in the contest.
Pace returns home to host Saint Michael's College on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 a.m. in Pleasantville as the campus celebrates Homecoming Weekend in addition to Pace Goes Pink Day.
