PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On Wednesday afternoon, Pace University Field Hockey came up just short in a hard-fought Northeast 10 Conference matchup, falling 3-2 to Southern New Hampshire University at Peter X. Finnerty Field. The Setters, now 6-9 overall and 5-4 in conference play, opened and closed the scoring but were defeated by a pair of fourth-quarter goals from the Penmen.

The Blue and Gold wasted no time getting on the board, striking less than a minute into play. Kyleigh Kearney continued her strong offensive form by tipping in a cross from Grace Francis just 59 seconds after the opening whistle. The Setters controlled the early tempo, holding Southern New Hampshire without a shot in the first quarter while creating multiple penalty corners.

The Penmen found their rhythm as the game wore on, pushing forward with sustained pressure in the second and third quarters. Goalkeeper Morgan Strecker stood tall in the cage, making four key saves in the second period and finishing with six on the day. Despite her efforts, Southern New Hampshire found the equalizer midway through the third to make it 1-1 entering the final frame.

In the fourth, the visitors scored twice in a three-minute span to take a 3-1 lead before Pace answered back late. Freshman Feline Rook netted her third goal of the season in the 56th minute, finishing off a feed from Enya Manzanera to bring the Setters within one. Pace continued to press in the closing moments, earning an 11-9 edge in penalty corners, but couldn't find the equalizer before time expired.

Rook and Kearney provided the scoring for Pace, while Francis and Manzanera each recorded assists. Strecker's six saves led an efficient defensive performance for the Setters.

The Blue and Gold conclude their 2025 home stand this weekend as the squad celebrates senior day at Peter X. Finnerty Field. With only three games remaining in the regular season schedule, the Setters take on Saint Michael's College at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.