PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On Sunday afternoon, No. 17 Pace Softball's regular season came to an end in epic fashion as
Alyssa Smart tossed the first no-hitter of her collegiate career. In a twin-bill meeting against Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the Setters prevailed in both contests, winning 3-2 after a walk-off and 7-0 in a commanding game two.
Smart's no-hit performance in the second game highlighted the day as the blue and Gold finished a perfect 20-0 within the Northeast-10 (NE10), concluding their regular season with a 37-9 overall record.
In addition, the team remains a perfect 22-0 at the Pace Softball Field, where they will host each game of the Northeast-10 Conference Championship.
Game One (9 innings)
- The opening game of the doubleheader was a tightly contested battle between the Setters and Penmen. After Pace tallied the first two runs of the game off RBIs from Jade Alvarado and Brianna Shea, SNHU evened up the score in the sixth.
- With two runs from both squads, neither side led after seven innings, leading to Pace's second straight extra-inning affair.
- Alyssa Smart entered the circle at the top of the eighth and had her way against the Penmen, keeping the score at 2-2 heading into the bottom of the inning. However, SNHU went on to retire three straight batters to push the tie into the ninth.
- A two-out double in the ninth put pressure on Pace, but Smart stayed level-headed and forced a fly out to right field, moving the even score, 2-2, into the bottom of the inning.
- In the ninth, a single from Alvarado put the game-winning run on base as the Setters looked to walk-off for the second straight game. The next batter, Madison Picerno, knocked a grounder over to third base, which led to an errant throw from the Penmen. The overthrow at first base brought home the game-winning run as the Blue and Gold celebrated another walk-off in a 3-2 victory.
Game Two
- Following the walk-off win, the Setters continued their success in game two, jump-started by a sacrifice fly from Willa Poplawski in the opening inning. With a one-run advantage, Smart jumped back into the circle where she picked up exactly where she left off in the previous game.
- After a one-run third inning, the Setters took control of the game in the fifth, led by a two-run triple from Kaylee Matsuda. Three runs crossed home plate in the inning, as Pace took hold of a 5-0 lead over SNHU.
- Taking a 7-0 lead into the seventh inning, Smart returned to the field with a chance at a no-hit performance. With two ground-outs and a final popup to second base, Smart completed her no-hitter in an absolute showcase in the circle. Led by her stellar outing, the Setters wrapped up their regular season with an impressive 7-0 win to earn their 37th victory.
Box Score Insights
- Smart had an outstanding day in the regular season finale, which included the first no-hitter of her career and wins in both games. Throughout both contests, the Scottsboro, AL. native totaled nine innings pitched, five strikeouts, no runs, and two hits allowed.
- At the end of the regular season, the Setters boast one of the most accomplished pitching staffs in the nation as they currently rank fifth in Division II softball for earned run average (1.30).
- In the batter's box, several Setters had productive days with Matsuda leading the way, posting three RBIs, three runs scored, and two base-knocks.
- Sophie Valle (3 hits, 2 runs) and Alexa Borino (2 hits, 2 runs, 1 RBI) also had efficient afternoons.
Up Next (Saint Michael's College - NE10 Conference Championship First Round)
This coming week, the Setters' season reaches the next step as they open up the Northeast-10 Conference Championship as the #1 seed. In their opening round match-up, the Blue and Gold will clash with Saint Michael's College, with the opening pitch set for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
