NEW CASTLE, DE. – On Sunday morning, the 2025 season ended for #6 Pace University baseball as the Setters fell to #7 Molloy University, 7–1, in an NCAA East Regional elimination game. Pace struck first but couldn't overcome a series of missed opportunities and errant plays, as Molloy used a late push to pull away at Wilson Field in New Castle, DE.
The Setters finish the 2025 campaign with a 28-22 record, a Northeast-10 (NE10) conference championship, and an NCAA East Regional appearance, as another successful season is now in the books.
Here's What Happened
- In the opening inning, the Blue and Gold came out swinging as Anthony Labita delivered a sharp single up the middle, putting Pace ahead early with a 1-0 lead. However, the Lions quickly shut down what threatened to become a big inning with a double play, stopping the Setters' momentum.
- In the second inning, the Lions quickly fought back. A walk put a runner on base, then a double tied the game. After that, a single helped them take the lead, making it 2-1. After a quiet, scoreless third inning, Molloy extended the Lions' lead with a single through the right side of the infield, pushing the advantage to 3-1.
- Both teams' bats fell silent over the next two innings, with no runs crossing home plate until the seventh. The Lions broke the deadlock when a dropped fly ball by the Setters allowed them to add another run, increasing their lead to 4-1 as Pace entered the eighth inning trailing by three.
- The Lions' pitching staff continued to stifle the Setters' offense, and an explosive top of the ninth inning with three insurance runs put Pace in a deep hole, down 7-1. In the final frame, a lead-off ground-out followed by two consecutive fly-outs brought an end to the ballgame and the Setters' 2025 season.
Box Score Insights
- The top of the lineup was productive, as Benjamin Tullo, Luke Rivara, Mason Baronian, and Labita (1 RBI) all tallied a base-knock.
- On the mound, Aidan Kempf (3.2 IP, 2 K's, 2 ER) drew the start, while Justin Dressler (4.2 IP, 2 K's, 3 ER), and Robert Gilchrist (0.2 IP, 1 K, 0 ER) combined for six innings pitched in relief.
- As a team, the Setters posted six hits compared to Molloy's ten.
Pace baseball had an incredible year, full of moments to remember both on and off the field. At the start of May, the Setters sat under .500, but they caught fire, winning seven consecutive games. That momentum carried them through the NE10 Tournament, where they claimed their second conference title in just three years, earning them a spot in the NCAA East Regional.
Looking ahead to next season, the Setters will return a solid core of players, with plenty of everyday contributors ready to step up. Now, as the season wraps up, the Blue and Gold can head into the offseason proud of what they've accomplished and excited for what's next.
