NEW CASTLE, DE. – #6 Pace University baseball came up just short in a back-and-forth battle in the opening round of the NCAA Division II East Regional on Saturday afternoon, falling 9-8 to #3 Felician University at Wilson Field.

With the loss, the Setters will move into the elimination bracket and are set to play again tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in a win-or-go-home match-up.

Here's What Happened

• The afternoon started on a high note for the Blue and Gold, who struck first in the opening frame. After a base hit from Luke Rivara, Mason Baronian ripped an RBI double to right-center to put Pace ahead 1-0.
• After the opponent tied the game in the bottom half of the first, the Setters answered in a big way in the second. Following a double from Matthew Franco and a hit-by-pitch to Dominic Rivara, Josh Miller unloaded a three-run homer to left, giving Pace a 4-1 lead and the early momentum.
• The offensive surge continued in the third as Anthony Labita doubled down the right-field line and came home on an RBI double by Andrew Heppner to extend the lead to 5-1. Things stayed quiet until the seventh when Pace added a pair of insurance runs, making it 7-2, which appeared to put the Setters firmly in control.
• But the bottom of the seventh told a different story. After a lead-off single, a combination of timely hits and defensive miscues led to seven runs coming across the plate, flipping the script and giving Felician a 9-7 lead. A grand slam highlighted the rally, handing Pace its first deficit since the first inning.
• Refusing to go quietly, the Setters battled back in the eighth as Labita launched a solo home run to bring the score to 9-8. Pace then had the tying run aboard later in the inning following a walk to Cristian Rodriguez. However, the Blue and Gold couldn't push across the equalizer as the game ended with a 9-8 final in favor of the Golden Falcons.

Box Score Insights

• Labita finished 2-for-5 with a homer and a double, while Miller (1-for-4, 1 HR) totaled three RBIs on the day.
• Baronian, Heppner, and Franco also contributed extra-base hits in an eight-hit offensive showing for the Setters.
• On the mound, Vincent Civitella had a productive start, going five innings with one earned run, six hits allowed, and six strikeouts. Out of the bullpen, Eric Santaella posted two shutout innings with one punch-out.

Up Next (Molloy University - NCAA East Regional)
Now facing elimination, Pace will return to Wilson Field on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. with its season on the line. The Setters will now face #7 Molloy University in order to stay alive and make a run in the East Regional.