RINDGE, N.H. – Pace University Women's Soccer battled to the very end on Sunday afternoon, falling just short in a 2-1 loss at Franklin Pierce University in the first round of the Northeast 10 Conference Championship. The result brings the Setters season to a close with an overall record of 8-9-1, including a 3-5-1 mark in league action.

The opening 45 minutes saw both teams trade stretches of possession in a fast-paced, physical battle at Sodexo Field. The Setters' defensive shape proved strong early, anchored by Anna Fiore between the posts and the back line of Anna English, Hannah Rautenstrauch, and Milani Thompson.

Fiore kept the match scoreless with a series of key stops, recording four saves in the first half alone, while the Setters generated chances on the counter through Allison Carr and Bailey Olson. Carr and Andrea Flores helped create pressure on the flanks, earning several corner kicks that put the Ravens on their heels, but the game remained level at 0-0 heading into halftime.

Franklin Pierce managed to strike first early in the second half, breaking through in the 60th minute to take a 1–0 edge. The Blue and Gold responded with urgency, continuing to battle across the midfield and pushing numbers forward in search of the equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Meredith Klosek converted on a rebound in front, knotting the score at 1-1.

The celebration was short-lived, however, as the Ravens retook the lead less than two minutes later to seal the final result.

Fiore was stellar once again in net, tallying a season-high 11 saves in her complete-game effort.

Sunday's match capped off another competitive year for the Setters, who continued to build momentum behind a balanced lineup and strong veteran leadership. The Setters 2025 campaign has come to a close as Pace will return to the pitch in the fall of 2026 to open a new chapter for the program.